Nakhon Ratchasima, Jan 14 (V7N) — At least 22 people were killed and 79 others injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province on Tuesday morning, according to local media reports cited by BBC News.

Among the injured, eight remain in critical condition. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and are continuing efforts to evacuate passengers trapped inside the damaged train compartments.

The crane was being used in the construction of a high-speed railway line connecting the Laos border with Bangkok. The accident occurred at around 9:00 am local time as the train was departing from Bangkok.

Earlier, Reuters, quoting police sources, reported that 12 people had died, but the death toll rose rapidly as rescue operations progressed. Police later confirmed that 12 bodies had been recovered, while authorities fear that at least seven more passengers may have died after a fire broke out in one of the train compartments following the collapse.

Nakhon Ratchasima Police Superintendent Thachapon Chinnawong told the BBC that the crane fell directly onto the moving train during construction work along the rail route.

According to the State Railway of Thailand, the train was scheduled to carry 195 passengers, although officials said the actual number on board may have been slightly higher.

Thailand’s Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a “full and impartial investigation” into the cause of the accident and assured that accountability will be ensured.

The high-speed rail project is largely funded by Thailand but will use Chinese technology and rolling stock. China views the railway as a strategic link connecting Yunnan province with the Gulf of Thailand. However, the project has faced years of delays, with analysts noting that Thailand remains uncertain about its long-term profitability.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.

END/SMA/AJ