Deadly crane collapse in Thailand: dozens killed, India condoles loss of lives

The accident occurred at approximately 9:05 a.m. local time in Ban Thanon Khot on Wednesday, Sikhio district, often locally referred to as Korat, when a large launching gantry crane used in building an elevated section of the high-speed rail project suddenly fell onto the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani passenger train No. 21 as it passed beneath ongoing construction work, reported Bangkok Post.

Initial reports from Thai authorities confirmed that at least 32 people were killed and dozens more were injured in the collision, with many trapped inside the wreckage and rescue efforts subsequently focused on extrication and medical treatment. Around 64 to 66 passengers were reported injured, and three were still missing according to the latest provincial public health updates.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud crash and explosions as the crane's heavy steel structure and concrete load struck the train's middle carriages, causing two cars to be severely damaged and one to catch fire. Smoke was seen rising from the site as rescue workers battled difficult conditions to reach and evacuate survivors, reported Bangkok Post.

The train was traveling at estimated speeds of around 120 km/h (75 mph) when the structure collapsed. Many of the casualties were concentrated in the second carriage, which was hit most directly and subsequently caught fire, trapping passengers inside before rescue teams could fully access the compartment.

The high-speed rail line under construction is part of a major Thai-Chinese infrastructure project planned to eventually link Bangkok with Kunming in China via Laos. The segment where the accident occurred is being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), a large Thai contractor, which has expressed regret and pledged compensation to the families of victims.

Thai officials, including Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse and stressed that accountability and safety protocols will be rigorously reviewed. The State Railway of Thailand also announced that several services along the affected route were disrupted, with rerouting and cancellations in place as emergency operations continue.

The accident drew international condolences, including from the Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA). India's foreign ministry expressed its deep condolences and sympathy for the lives lost and extended support and best wishes for the recovery of those injured in the tragic incident. Indian officials reaffirmed their solidarity with Thailand and underscored the importance of cooperative disaster assistance in times of such calamity.

In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, wrote, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Thailand during this hour of grief. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured."

As investigations continue and rescue operations wind down, the focus is shifting toward structural safety reviews and strengthening regulatory oversight for large-scale infrastructure projects across Thailand to prevent similar tragedies in the future.(ANI)