Key Highlights
- At least 22 people killed and 80 injured when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving train in northeastern Thailand.
- The incident occurred on the Bangkok-Nong Khai HSR Development for Regional Connectivity project, estimated to cost US$5.4 billion.
- The State Railway of Thailand Governor has been called to investigate the accident’s cause thoroughly and comprehensively.
- Italian-Thai Development Company, one of Thailand’s biggest contractors, is involved in the project where the incident took place.
A Deadly Incident on a High-Speed Rail Project in Thailand
Nearly 23 individuals lost their lives and over 80 others sustained injuries when a construction crane fell onto a moving train in northeastern Thailand. The tragic accident, which took place around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT), has sent shockwaves through the region’s transportation industry.
The High-Speed Rail Project and Its Challenges
The incident occurred on a high-speed rail project that aims to connect Bangkok with Kunming in China. Known as the Bangkok-Nong Khai HSR Development for Regional Connectivity, this ambitious project is estimated to cost an astounding US$5.4 billion (£4 billion). The region where the accident happened, Ban Thanon Khot in Nakhon Ratchasima province, has already faced numerous challenges related to safety standards and enforcement.
According to local reports, the crane involved in the incident was lifting a large concrete segment when it collapsed onto the train.
The collision caused four coaches of the train to derail, with the first two sustaining the most significant damage. Emergency responders had to use hydraulic cutters to free passengers trapped inside the wreckage.
Investigations and Official Responses
The Thai government has launched a thorough investigation into the accident, with the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand being called upon to provide detailed reports on the incident’s cause. Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized the need for a comprehensive look at what went wrong and vowed to verify the identities of the injured and compensate train workers if necessary.
Local resident Mitr Intrpanya described the scene, saying he heard a loud noise followed by two explosions. Upon arriving, he found the crane sitting on a passenger train with three carriages, slicing the middle carriage in half.
The provincial government has since released photos showing the extent of the damage at the site.
The incident comes amidst a series of other fatal accidents blamed on serious safety lapses within Thailand’s construction sector. In 2023, a freight train collided with a pickup truck crossing railway tracks, resulting in eight fatalities and four injuries. Additionally, last March, a high-rise building under construction collapsed during an earthquake, killing over 100 people.
Industry Expert Perspective
Experts in the Thai construction industry have long highlighted issues surrounding poor enforcement of safety standards and regulations. According to a recent study by the Workmen’s Compensation Fund, more than 4,500 workers were killed or injured in construction accidents over the previous year alone.
Italian-Thai Development Company, one of Thailand’s biggest contractors, is at the forefront of this project where the accident occurred. The company has faced scrutiny before; representatives from the firm have not yet responded to requests for a comment on the incident.
However, last year, they were charged with professional negligence over a similar collapse in Bangkok.
As investigations continue and more details emerge, stakeholders are calling for stricter safety measures and better oversight of construction projects in Thailand. The high cost of this ambitious rail project underscores the importance of ensuring not just its completion but also the safety of workers and passengers involved.
The tragic loss of 22 lives and the severe injuries to many others serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for enhanced safety protocols in such large-scale infrastructure projects. Authorities and industry leaders will be closely examining this incident to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
