At least 4 killed after crane collapses onto train in Nakhon Ratchasima
An elevated railway construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima this morning, January 14, killing at least four people and injuring more than 20 others.
The incident occurred at around 9am on a railway line near the Baan Thanon Kot community in the Sikhiu district. The area lies beneath the Bangkok–Nong Khai High-Speed Railway, which is currently under construction.
According to reports from Matichon, the crane, which was part of the elevated rail construction, collapsed onto Train No. 21 operating on the Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani route.
The train had departed from Nong Nam Khun station when the structure fell, triggering a fire shortly after impact. Most passengers on board were students and residents travelling from Pak Chong district to work in other areas.
Rescue teams from several foundations, including Hook 31, Phromtham Sikhiu, Sawangwicha Pak Chong, and Sung Noen, rushed to the scene alongside firefighters. Fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control before rescuers used metal-cutting equipment to free trapped passengers from the damaged carriages.
MGR Online reported that four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, while more than 20 others sustained injuries. Some media outlets reported that the number of injured could exceed 30, though officials have yet to confirm the final number of victims.
The Bangkok–Nong Khai High-Speed Railway is part of a major infrastructure project aimed at connecting Thailand with China via Laos. The project is designed to strengthen transport and economic links across the ASEAN region and form part of the wider Kunming–Singapore rail network.
The railway will use CRRC CR300AF (Fuxing) high-speed trains, which are capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. However, trains operating in Thailand are expected to run at a maximum speed of around 250 kilometres per hour.
The project is currently in its first construction phase, covering approximately 250 to 253 kilometres and including six stations: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The second phase will extend the line from Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and onward into Laos.
The first phase of the high-speed railway is scheduled to begin operations in 2028, while the second phase is expected to open in 2030.
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