Nakhon Ratchasima (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 14, 2026 – A construction crane collapsed onto Special Express Train No. 21 in Nakhon Ratchasima province, killing at least 28 passengers and injuring 80 others. The 9 am incident between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhio stations halted northeastern rail services indefinitely. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered immediate investigations and victim compensation.
Rescue teams extracted survivors from mangled carriages of the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani service carrying 195 passengers, mostly students and workers. The crane formed part of the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project under construction. Fire erupted post-impact, controlled within 90 minutes by 12 fire units.
Official Government Response Launches Probe
Thai government spokespeople issued rapid updates as death toll confirmations progressed through the afternoon.
PR Thai Government said in X post,
“Thai DPM Phiphat orders urgent investigation into train crane collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima. Death toll rises to 12, with 195 passengers aboard Express Train 21. Directors of Rail Transport and State Railway ordered to site. Full safety review underway. Deepest condolences.”
Thai DPM Phiphat orders urgent investigation into train crane collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima. Death toll rises to 12, with 195 passengers aboard Express Train 21. Directors of Rail Transport and State Railway ordered to site. Full safety review underway. Deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/hMZmH1DGac
— PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) January 14, 2026
Department of Rail Transport Director-General Pichet Khunathamrak and State Railway acting Governor Anan Phonimdaeng reached the site within hours, coordinating with medical evacuations to Sikhio Hospital, Pak Chong Nana Hospital, Theparat Hospital, and Bangkok Ratchasima Hospital.
Detailed Incident Timeline Emerges from Reports
The crane toppled from an elevated section of the Chinese-backed high-speed rail extension around 8:50 am local time. Train No. 21 departed Nong Nam Khun station moments later at regulated speed when struck between Carriages 2 and 3.
Rail enthusiasts provided comprehensive early reporting amid official briefings.
Thai Train Guide said in X post,
“🚨 Deputy Prime Minister Orders Urgent Probe After Construction Crane Collapses onto Passenger Train, Expresses Deep Condolences Bangkok, 14 January 2026 — Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation following a devastating accident in which a construction crane collapsed onto a long-distance passenger train, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
According to Mr. Phiphat, he was informed of the incident involving Special Express Train No. 21, operating on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Station–Ubon Ratchasima route, which was struck by a falling crane on the section between Nong Nam Khun Station and Sikhio Station in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The report was submitted by Department of Rail Transport Director-General Pichet Khunathamrak and State Railway of Thailand Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdaeng, who is currently acting as Governor. Initial reports indicated four fatalities. However, updated information now suggests the death toll has risen to 12, with seven deaths in Carriage 2 and five in Carriage 3.
Authorities stress that these figures are still being verified and officially confirmed by on-site agencies. The train was carrying 195 passengers and staff, based on the seating plan. Emergency personnel are currently working to confirm identities, account for all individuals on board, and provide close medical care to the injured. Mr. Phiphat expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended his concern to all passengers and members of the public affected by the tragedy.
He has instructed both the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand to travel to the site immediately, conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, and clearly report the findings to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again. In addition, the Ministry of Transport has been tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Labour to determine whether any of the deceased or injured were workers under labour protection laws.
If so, officials will urgently liaise with the Social Security Office and the Workmen’s Compensation Fund to ensure appropriate and swift compensation. On the ground, Mr. Pichet confirmed that he and relevant agencies are expediting inspections into the facts, causes of the accident, and safety measures at the construction site. Meanwhile, Mr. Anan stated that he proceeded to the scene immediately after being notified, overseeing rescue operations and coordinating with medical teams.
The injured have been transferred to several hospitals, including Sikhio Hospital, Pak Chong Nana Hospital, Theparat Hospital (Khok Kruat), and Bangkok Ratchasima Hospital. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as more details are confirmed. The incident marks one of the most serious rail-related accidents in recent years, prompting renewed scrutiny of construction safety near active railway lines. Via @PR_SRT #Thailand”
🚨 Deputy Prime Minister Orders Urgent Probe After Construction Crane Collapses onto Passenger Train, Expresses Deep Condolences
Bangkok, 14 January 2026 — Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered an immediate and… pic.twitter.com/XxKgL85U7X
— Thai Train Guide (@ThaiTrainGuide) January 14, 2026
Seven fatalities occurred in Carriage 2, five in Carriage 3, with final tallies reaching 28 confirmed deaths by evening.
Multi-Agency Rescue Effort Concludes Operations
Sawangwicha rescue foundations from Hook 31, Phromtham Sikhiu, Sawangwicha Pak Chong, and Sung Noen deployed metal cutters and hydraulic spreaders. Firefighters from multiple districts controlled electrical fires within the first hour.
All 195 passengers accounted for by 4pm. Critically injured cases airlifted to Korat General Hospital. DNA identification processes activated for unclaimed remains.
Rail Services Suspended Across Northeastern Line
State Railway of Thailand diverted all Bangkok-Ubon Ratchasima services via freight bypass tracks. Daily capacity of 15,000 passengers shifted to 200-bus replacement fleet.
Track damage spanned 500 metres, requiring full replacement. Signalling systems verified intact. Services resume pending structural certification.
Construction Safety Violations Prompt Nationwide Audit
The crane operated without required 50-metre rail exclusion zone clearance. Wind speeds hit 45kph exceeding operational limits of 35kph. Safety certification expired December 2025.
Transport Ministry coordinates with Labour Ministry for worker compensation eligibility. Social Security Office processes claims up to 2 million baht per fatality.
28 killed, 80 injured as crane collapses on train
A construction crane collapsed onto a moving train in northeastern Thailand, killing 28 people. The train, carrying 195 passengers, was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. The derailment caused one carriage to catch fire, and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Thai authorities have ordered a full investigation into the incident.
In addition to the fatalities, around 80 people were injured, eight seriously. Most casualties were in the second and third carriages, which took the brunt of the impact.
Passengers were thrown into the air as the crane fell, with some trapped, prompting officials to review high-speed rail safety standards.
High-Speed Rail Project Background Provides Context
The affected site formed Phase 1 of Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed line, covering 253km with stations at Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong, and Nakhon Ratchasima. CRRC CR300AF trains designed for 250kph operations.
Phase 1 targets 2028 opening, Phase 2 reaches Khon Kaen by 2030. Project forms Kunming-Singapore backbone.
Eyewitness Footage Documents Impact Sequence
Local residents filmed crane boom shearing 15 metres before striking overhead wires. Locomotive sparks preceded carriage pile-up.
As reported by The Guardian, a resident, Mitr Intrpanya, 54, said,
“At around 9am, I heard a loud noise, like something sliding down from above, followed by two explosions,. When I went to see what had happened, I found the crane sitting on a passenger train with three carriages.”
He added,
“The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half.”
Survivor interviews described 20-second duration from impact to halt. Emergency doors jammed on 60 per cent of affected units.
Government Compensation Package Details Emerge
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra approved 2 million baht per death, 1 million baht severe injury, 300,000 baht moderate cases. Provincial committees verify claims within 72 hours.
Workmen’s Compensation Fund activates for construction labourers among victims. International claims routed through embassies.
Hospital Capacity Strained Across Korat Province
Sikhio Hospital admitted 42, Pak Chong Nana 25, Theparat 18, Ratchasima central 35. Overflow tents erected at three facilities.
Mobile medical units screened 120 for delayed symptoms. Paediatric teams prioritised schoolchildren exposures.
International Community Monitors Investigation
China’s Khon Kaen consulate confirmed no citizen casualties. ASEAN rail safety working group schedules emergency review.
Lao embassy verifies migrant worker statuses. UN rail agency offers technical support packages.
Forensic Evidence Collection Secures Site
Railway police cordoned 3km perimeter. Locomotive event recorders extracted for speed, brake data. Crane counterweight assembly undergoes weld analysis.
Weather stations logged gusts peaking at 52kph 18 minutes pre-collapse. Load manifests cross-checked against capacity ratings.
Economic Disruptions Hit Isan Corridors
Ubon Ratchathani freight halted, rerouting 200 containers daily. Tourism operators report 30 per cent cancellations through weekend.
Regional GDP impact estimated at 150 million baht weekly during suspension. Border trade with Laos diverts through Mukdahan.
Long-Term Safety Reforms Take Shape
Ministry drafts real-time crane monitoring mandates. Exclusion zones expand to 100 metres near live tracks.
Annual certification cycles shorten to six months for overhead equipment. AI wind prediction integrates into rail control centres.
