A construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on March 6, 2024, resulting in at least 30 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident occurred during the train’s journey from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, while it was passing through the Nakhon Ratchasima area, which is part of a high-speed rail project linking China with Southeast Asia.
According to local authorities, the crane was being utilized for the construction of an elevated section of the railway when it fell. Anuphong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, reported that four passengers among the estimated 171 on board the train remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the wreckage for approximately eight hours since the morning crash.
Visuals from the scene depict a chaotic aftermath, with emergency workers navigating overturned railway carriages, some severely damaged with large openings on their sides. Images shared by Thai media showed dark smoke billowing above the wreckage, alongside scattered debris from the crane, which had been positioned between concrete support pillars.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. This accident follows a tragic tunnel collapse in August 2024 on the same railway line, which claimed the lives of three workers and was attributed to heavy rainfall.
High-Speed Rail Project Under Scrutiny
The elevated segment affected by the crane collapse is part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project designed to enhance connectivity from Bangkok to Nong Khai province, bordering Laos. This ambitious initiative, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has a total estimated investment exceeding 520 billion baht (approximately $25 billion AUD).
Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, noted that the project’s contractor, Italian-Thai Development, is under scrutiny, particularly as they were also responsible for the construction of the section where the accident occurred. Authorities plan to assess the accountability of both the contractor and the supervising Chinese company, with potential legal action expected to follow.
Damage to the train itself has been estimated at over 100 million baht, while the construction equipment incurred limited damage. The contractor has publicly expressed condolences to the victims and committed to covering compensation for the families of the deceased and medical expenses for the injured.
The incident has sparked significant outrage in Thailand, as Italian-Thai Development, also known as Italthai, was previously involved in another tragic construction failure. In March, a building in Bangkok, where they were co-lead contractors, collapsed during an earthquake in Myanmar, resulting in approximately 100 fatalities. To date, numerous executives have faced indictment linked to that incident, but no trials have commenced.
As search and recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the crane’s collapse and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
