The train was carrying 195 people at the time of the accident. The incident occurred in the town of Ban Thanon Kho, in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 250 kilometers from the capital. According to provincial authorities, the crane was supporting a railway bridge under construction when it collapsed and fell onto the train, causing several carriages to derail and a fire in the area.
Emergency teams are still working at the site, where they have recovered 22 bodies so far and treated dozens of injured, some of whom have been taken to nearby hospitals. Initially, four deaths were reported, but the toll was updated hours later as rescue efforts progressed.
Thai PBS public television reported that several people remained trapped for hours and that rail service between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchatani has been temporarily suspended. Experts cited by local media indicated that the crane weighed between 20 and 30 tons and that other structures also fell onto the train. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat ordered an urgent investigation to determine the causes of the accident, while authorities verify the identities of the victims.