BANGKOK, Jan. 14, 2026 – A catastrophic crane collapse at a high-speed railway construction site in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province killed multiple people and injured dozens this morning after striking a moving passenger train. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time, causing the train to derail and igniting a fire in multiple carriages.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, with rescue operations continuing into the afternoon. Thai authorities confirmed the death toll remains provisional as teams work to extract passengers from damaged compartments. The derailed train was traveling between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, a key route in Thailand’s expanding rail network.
The construction site involved is part of a regional infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity across Southeast Asia. Safety protocols at the site are now under scrutiny, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordering an immediate investigation. “This tragedy demands full transparency,” stated Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit during a press briefing.
The accident has reignited debates about construction safety standards in rapidly developing economies. Thailand’s high-speed rail projects, seen as vital for economic growth, now face renewed public scrutiny ahead of planned expansions this year.
