At least 22 people were killed, and dozens were injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Thailand on Wednesday, triggering a derailment and fire. The incident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, around 230 kilometres northeast of Bangkok.
The train was travelling from the Thai capital to Ubon Ratchathani province in the country&rsquo;s northeast when the accident took place during the morning hours. According to initial findings, the crane was part of an ongoing high-speed rail project and fell onto the train as it passed beneath the construction site.
The impact caused several carriages to derail, with at least one coach briefly catching fire. Emergency services quickly extinguished the flames and launched a large-scale rescue operation. Authorities said many passengers were trapped inside damaged carriages, prompting first responders to cut through twisted metal to reach survivors.
Thailand&rsquo;s government confirmed that multiple rescue teams were deployed immediately, while hospitals in the region were placed on alert to treat the injured. Visuals from the site showed extensive damage to the train, particularly the middle carriages that bore the brunt of the impact.
While early reports suggested a lower death toll, local police later confirmed that at least 22 fatalities had been recorded. Officials warned that the number of casualties could change as rescue operations continued and all passengers were accounted for.
Witnesses near the site reported hearing a loud crashing sound followed by explosions moments before the train came to a halt. Investigations have been launched to determine why the crane collapsed and whether safety protocols were followed at the construction site.

High-speed rail crane hits passenger train, causing fire and mass casualties

Crane collapse derails Thai train, 22 dead

High-speed rail crane hits passenger train, causing fire and mass casualties

January 14, 2026 | 20:02 IST