A series of major construction accidents in Thailand has resulted in dozens of fatalities and injuries. The incidents, which occurred on a high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima province and on the Rama II Expressway in Samut Sakhon province, are under investigation.
Train Derailment from Crane Collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima
At approximately 09:00 local time on Wednesday, a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, approximately 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.
- The Incident: The crane, reportedly lifting a large concrete segment for the construction of an elevated high-speed railway, fell onto the train. The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. The impact derailed multiple carriages and caused a fire. Video footage depicted overturned carriages, heavy damage, and debris scattered along the tracks.
- Casualties: Reports on fatalities vary, with initial figures ranging from 19 to 32. Later confirmations from the Transport Minister stated at least 32 deaths and 64 injuries. Among the injured were a one-year-old child and an 85-year-old. Seven individuals were reported to be in critical condition. Most passengers were reported to be students and workers.
- Response and Investigation: The fire was extinguished, and rescue crews used cranes and hydraulic tools to reach victims trapped in the wreckage. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed 195 passengers were on board and ordered a thorough investigation. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul requested an investigation. The State Railway of Thailand announced it is pursuing legal action against Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the construction firm responsible for the crane. The company expressed regret and stated an intention to provide compensation.
"Most passengers were reported to be students and workers."
Second Crane Collapse on Rama II Expressway
The following day, on Thursday morning, a separate crane collapse occurred on the Rama II Expressway in Samut Sakhon province, outside Bangkok.
- The Incident: A crane collapsed onto the highway, falling onto vehicles below.
- Casualties: The accident resulted in the deaths of two drivers, identified by authorities as Sompong Srisuk and another individual, whose vehicles were struck by the falling debris.
- Context and Investigation: The Rama II Expressway, a major highway undergoing significant expansion, has experienced multiple construction accidents, including collapses in March, November 2024, May 2023, and January 2024. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that an investigation into the cause of this collapse will be conducted.
Links Between Incidents
Transport Minister Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that the construction firm Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited is linked to both accidents. The firm is one of Thailand's largest construction companies. Following the first incident, the national rail operator ordered Italian-Thai Development to cease all construction activities pending the outcome of the investigation. Minister Ratchakitprakarn stated that all parties involved in the rail incident, including Italian-Thai Development and a Chinese consultancy company, would be held accountable.