A crane collapse on a moving passenger train in central Thailand on January 14, 2026, resulted in 22 fatalities and at least 47 injuries, marking one of the deadliest rail incidents in the country in over a decade.
- 22 people killed, 47 injured in crane collapse on passenger train
- Incident occurred on January 14, 2026, near Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Crane was a 12-ton mobile unit operated by a local contractor
- Train was operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)
- 12 passengers remain in critical condition, 10 in stable condition
- Nationwide construction suspensions near rail lines ordered
A catastrophic accident occurred on January 14, 2026, when a large construction crane detached from a support structure and fell onto a passenger train near Nakhon Pathom, approximately 60 kilometers west of Bangkok. The train, operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), was carrying 120 passengers when the crane struck its upper carriage, causing immediate structural collapse and widespread fires. Emergency responders confirmed 22 deaths and treated 47 others at nearby hospitals, with 12 in critical condition. The incident occurred during a routine maintenance operation at a railway overpass construction site. Authorities confirmed that the crane, a 12-ton mobile unit operated by a local contracting firm, had been secured with safety cables but failed during a high-wind event. Preliminary investigations indicate a mechanical failure in the hoisting system, though the full cause is under review by Thailand’s Department of Safety and Occupational Health. The event has prompted immediate suspension of all construction activities near active rail lines nationwide. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety and regulatory oversight, particularly in high-traffic regions. The State Railway of Thailand reported that the train was traveling at approximately 60 kilometers per hour at impact, and the collision force was estimated to have exceeded 300 kilonewtons. The damaged section of track has been closed, disrupting daily commuter services between Bangkok and the western provinces and affecting over 10,000 passengers daily. Government officials have announced a nationwide inspection of all railway infrastructure and construction zones. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered a special task force to evaluate long-term safety protocols. The incident is expected to influence future public investment decisions and may lead to stricter enforcement of construction safety standards near transportation corridors.