Overview
- Thailand’s Health Ministry reported at least 32 dead and at least 67 injured, with authorities still verifying identities and notifying families.
- Special Express Train No. 21, carrying 195 people from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, derailed around 9 a.m. when a launching gantry crane fell from an elevated worksite and sparked a brief fire that was later extinguished.
- Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged punishment if negligence is found, and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered a thorough investigation.
- Italian‑Thai Development, involved in the construction section, said it would take full responsibility and provide compensation, while China’s Foreign Ministry noted the segment was being built by a Thai firm.
- Rescue work was temporarily paused over a reported chemical leak, and the collapse renewed scrutiny of the China‑backed line after previous incidents, including a 2024 tunnel failure in Nakhon Ratchasima.