A tragic incident unfolded in north-eastern Thailand as a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in a fiery derailment, claiming the lives of at least 29 individuals. The derailment, part of a high-speed rail project linking China to south-east Asia, resulted in 64 injuries, with rescue operations ongoing amid the wreckage.
The crane, involved in constructing an elevated railway segment, fell onto the train en route from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. Photos revealed smoke billowing from the scene, with rescue workers attending to overturned carriages with significant damage. The incident occurred as the train was struck by the falling crane, causing chaos and devastation.
Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan disclosed that 195 passengers were onboard, prompting an investigation into the calamitous event. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul demanded accountability for the tragedy, emphasizing the need to determine the factors contributing to the disaster, including possible negligence.
The harrowing incident has prompted deep concern, especially as the death toll has now climbed to 29, with reports of varying degrees of injuries among the passengers. As details continue to emerge, authorities are faced with the challenging task of piecing together the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic accident.