Good Morning Britain presenters were forced to deliver a shocking piece of breaking news moments after the ITV show began on Wednesday, 14 January.
"Awful" Breaking News Halts Broadcast
Studio correspondent Ranvir Singh, alongside hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, relayed the "terrible" update to viewers. The report confirmed that a catastrophic construction accident in Thailand had claimed the lives of at least 22 people.
"Breaking news this morning," Singh stated, explaining that a crane being used to build a new railway had collapsed onto a passenger train running on adjacent tracks. The incident occurred as the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Rescuers were immediately dispatched to the scene to search for anyone who might be trapped in the wreckage.
Scale of the Tragedy and Eyewitness Accounts
The human cost of the disaster extended far beyond the fatalities. According to the BBC, over 80 individuals suffered injuries. Among the wounded was a one-year-old child, believed to be the youngest victim, while the eldest passenger affected was 59 years old.
Fifty-five of the injured were treated at Sikhio hospital. While most sustained minor wounds, six people in a critical condition had to be transferred to other medical facilities for specialist care.
Train crew member Thirasak Wongsoongnern provided a harrowing account to local media. He described how the train, moving at roughly 120km/h, was struck. The crane had been lifting a large concrete segment when it fell, dropping its load onto the carriages.
"The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half," said local resident Mitr Intrpanya, who heard loud noises and explosions. Wongsoongnern recounted being thrown into the air by the impact. He tried to help other passengers but was unable to reach the second carriage as it was already on fire.
National Reaction and Ongoing Aftermath
Viewers of Good Morning Britain reacted with immediate horror to the bulletin, with many taking to social media to express their shock. Comments described the event as "really awful" and "terrible," mirroring the sentiments of the presenting team.
The incident underscores the devastating consequences of industrial accidents and the fragility of life. As rescue and recovery operations continued, the focus remained on supporting the victims and their families in the wake of this profound tragedy.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
