WRECKAGE at the site after the derailment.—Reuters
SIKHIO: A train derailed in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday after a construction crane fell on two of its carriages, killing at least 32 people and injuring 66, the regional governor said.
The accident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230km northeast of Bangkok, on a train from the capital bound for Ubon Ratchathani province.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said in a statement there were 195 people aboard the train, adding that he had ordered a thorough investigation. The crane was working on a high-speed rail project when it collapsed and hit the passing train, causing it to derail and briefly catch fire.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the State Railway of Thailand to provide good compensation for families of the dead, adding in comments to reporters after being briefed at the scene: “We need to investigate... and take legal action.” The Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited , which was contracted to build the rail segment, expressed regret for the accident and said it would provide compensation and relief to families of the casualties.
