A tragic rail accident occurred on Wednesday in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The incident took place around 9:05 a.m. local time in Ban Thanon Khot, Sikhio district (commonly called Korat), when a large launching gantry crane, used for constructing an elevated section of the high-speed rail project, suddenly fell onto Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani passenger train No. 21 as it passed beneath the construction site, according to the Bangkok Post.

Initial reports from Thai authorities confirmed at least 32 fatalities, with dozens more injured. Many passengers were trapped in the wreckage, and rescue teams focused on extrication and medical care. Between 64 and 66 people were reported injured, and three remained missing according to provincial health updates.

Eyewitnesses described hearing loud crashes and explosions as the crane’s heavy steel structure and concrete load struck the train’s middle carriages. Two carriages were severely damaged, and one caught fire, sending smoke billowing as rescuers struggled to reach survivors. The train was estimated to be traveling at around 120 km/h (75 mph) when the crane fell. Most casualties were in the second carriage, which bore the brunt of the impact and fire.

The accident occurred on a high-speed rail line that is part of a major Thai-Chinese infrastructure project designed to connect Bangkok with Kunming, China, via Laos. The affected segment is being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), which expressed regret over the incident and pledged compensation to victims’ families. Thai authorities, including Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, ordered an immediate investigation and emphasized strict review of safety measures and accountability. The State Railway of Thailand announced service disruptions on the affected route, with rerouting and cancellations continuing as emergency operations proceed.

The incident drew international condolences, including from India. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life, extended sympathy to the injured, and reaffirmed support for Thailand. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Thailand. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured.” As rescue operations conclude, attention is now turning to structural safety assessments and stronger regulatory oversight for large infrastructure projects in Thailand to prevent future tragedies.