Overview
- The launching gantry crane working above an elevated high‑speed rail segment collapsed onto Special Express Train No. 21 in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima, derailing three carriages and igniting a brief fire.
- Provincial and health officials reported at least 32 fatalities and about 64 injured, with numbers still being verified and victim identification underway.
- Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said roughly 195 people were on board and ordered a comprehensive probe, with officials noting most deaths occurred in the second and last cars.
- Rescue operations were temporarily paused over a reported chemical leak at the scene before teams resumed work, according to local police.
- The site forms part of a Thai–Chinese high‑speed rail project linked to China via Laos; Italian‑Thai Development is the contractor on the affected section as scrutiny intensifies and Beijing noted the stretch was under a Thai enterprise.