Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Death Toll Climbs After Gantry Crane From Thai High-Speed Rail Site Falls Onto Passenger Train

Authorities have opened an investigation into construction safety, with the contractor’s role under review.

Overview

  • Officials report at least 30 fatalities, with tallies ranging from 28 to 32 and more than 60 injured as counts continue to be verified.
  • A launching gantry crane working above an active line collapsed onto a BangkokUbon Ratchathani service in Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima, causing a derailment and brief fire around 9 a.m.
  • The Transport Minister said roughly 195 people were on board, though some provincial updates cited 171, and rescue teams paused at times over a reported chemical leak.
  • Thai leaders ordered a thorough probe, the State Railway was tasked to investigate, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for those responsible to be held accountable.
  • Advisers identified Italian‑Thai Development as the contractor on the affected section, the firm pledged compensation, and China noted the segment was run by a Thai enterprise as scrutiny of the wider Thai‑Chinese rail project intensifies.