A major construction crane has collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand, killing at least twelve people and sparking a devastating fire, with authorities warning the final death toll could be significantly higher.
Chaos and Derailment in Sikhio District
The catastrophic incident occurred at approximately 9:00 am local time on Wednesday 14 January 2026 in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. The train, travelling roughly 230 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, was struck by the falling crane, which caused it to derail and catch fire.
Police have confirmed that at least 12 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage so far. However, they have stated the toll is expected to keep rising, potentially reaching 22 fatalities, as emergency teams continue to search the mangled carriages for survivors and victims.
Rescue Operation Amidst the Wreckage
Local media reports indicate that as many as 40 passengers have been injured in the disaster. The total number of people on board the train at the time of the accident has not yet been officially released by the police.
Nakhon Ratchasima's Public Relations Department confirmed that the fire ignited by the crash is now under control. Rescuers are currently focused on the painstaking task of searching for any individuals who may still be trapped inside the severely damaged train carriages.
Construction Project Linked to Tragedy
The crane involved in the disaster was part of a major infrastructure project to build an elevated high-speed road through the Sikhio region. The collapse of such a large piece of construction equipment onto an active railway line raises immediate and serious questions about site safety protocols and oversight.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the region, with the scale of the tragedy becoming clearer as the rescue operation progresses throughout the day. The investigation into the precise cause of the crane's failure is expected to begin once the immediate emergency response concludes.
