Thailand train disaster: Crane falls on moving train, 22 dead, 70 injured

At least 22 people have been killed and over 70 others injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, turning a routine journey into a major tragedy.

The accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province when the crane, part of an ongoing elevated high speed rail project, fell onto the train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani . The impact caused several coaches to derail, with parts of the train catching fire, officials said.

Rescue teams rushed to the site as flames and twisted metal hampered evacuation efforts. Many passengers were trapped inside damaged compartments, prompting an hours-long rescue operation. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, while authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue and identification efforts continue.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crane collapse and possible lapses in construction safety near the active rail line. Rail services on the route have been suspended.

The incident ranks among the deadliest rail related accidents in Thailand in recent years , raising renewed concerns over infrastructure safety and oversight.