Crane Falls on Train in Thailand, Killing 22 in Fiery Crash

A construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani on January 14, 2026, around 9:05 a.m., killing at least 22 people and injuring 79 others in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. The train, carrying 195 passengers and crew, derailed after the crane's cable snagged, pulling the heavy machine down onto three carriages, sparking a fire that rescue teams quickly put out.

Background

The accident took place along a key stretch of track in Nakhon Ratchasima, about 143 miles northeast of Bangkok. This area sits between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations, where workers were building an elevated section of a high-speed rail line. The project aims to link Bangkok to Nong Khai near the Laos border as part of a larger Thai-Chinese rail network. This network ties into plans to connect China with Southeast Asia through rail lines under a major infrastructure push.

The train involved was Special Express No. 21, a regular service with three carriages. It left Bangkok early that morning on its route to Ubon Ratchathani. Construction nearby had been ongoing for months, with cranes positioned over the tracks to lift materials for concrete pillars supporting the new elevated track. Witnesses said the crane was hoisting a heavy load when something went wrong, leading to the fall.

This is not the first issue in the area. In August 2024, a railway tunnel under construction in the same province collapsed during heavy rain, killing three workers. That event raised questions about site safety, but work continued after reviews. The high-speed project has a budget of over 520 billion baht, or about $16.8 billion, spread across two phases. Teams have poured resources into pillars and bridges to handle faster trains expected in the coming years.

Local residents live close to the tracks, with homes and fields nearby. Many rely on the passenger train for daily travel to markets or work in Bangkok. The construction brought jobs to the district but also noise and traffic disruptions. Sikhio is a rural spot known for farming and small towns, far from the bustle of the capital.

Key Details

The crane struck the train's second and third carriages hardest, slicing through metal and flipping cars off the rails. Rescuers arrived within minutes, climbing onto wreckage to pull people out. Some passengers were trapped inside, screaming for help as smoke filled the air. Medical teams treated injuries on site, from cuts and broken bones to burns and crush wounds.

Rescue and Response

Over 100 rescuers from nearby stations rushed in with ambulances, fire trucks, and cutting tools. They worked for hours to free those pinned under debris. By late afternoon, all passengers were accounted for, though officials said numbers could change as hospitals reported in. The fire burned briefly but did not spread far, thanks to quick action with extinguishers and water.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited the site and ordered a full probe. He spoke to teams on the ground and updated the public.

"We heard a loud noise like metal sliding, then two big bangs. I ran out and saw the crane on the train, cutting the middle car in half. People were crying everywhere." – Mitr Intrpanya, 54-year-old local resident

Initial reports listed four deaths, but that rose to 22 as bodies were recovered. Another count put injuries at 64, later adjusted to 79. Officials stressed these figures came from ground teams and might shift.

The train pulled the crane's cable as it passed, toppling the machine from between two pillars. Debris scattered along the tracks, blocking both directions. Repair crews cleared the line by evening, but services faced delays.

What This Means

The crash halts work on the high-speed rail segment for now. Inspectors will check all cranes and sites along the route. This could delay the project timeline, already stretched by past setbacks. Families of the dead wait for identifications, with DNA tests likely for some remains. Hospitals in Nakhon Ratchasima handle the injured, many in serious condition.

Rail travel in Thailand faces more scrutiny. The State Railway runs dozens of daily trains, carrying millions each year. Safety checks may ramp up near construction zones nationwide. The government promises aid to victims' families, covering medical bills and funerals.

For the Belt and Road project, this spotlights risks in big builds. Partners from China and Thailand will review plans to avoid repeats. Local leaders call for better barriers between work sites and active tracks. Passengers now think twice about morning rides through construction areas.

Economy-wise, the rail line promises faster goods movement and tourism boosts. But deaths like these shake public trust. Workers on site, over 200 strong, pause for safety drills. The district mourns, with temples preparing for services. Full reports expected in weeks, detailing the crane's failure—perhaps a snapped cable or overload.

Recovery stretches into days. Cleanup teams remove twisted metal, while engineers assess track damage. Train No. 21's route resumes with buses filling gaps. The 22 lost leave gaps in communities, from farmers to city commuters. Thailand's rail push continues, but with fresh lessons on ground.