Transport orders urgent crane incident probe, collaborates on aid
Deputy PM has ordered a thorough investigation into the crane accident involving the Special Express 21 train. The Ministry of Labour will help provide compensation for the victims.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has instructed the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and the Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand to investigate the cause of the crane collapse that fell on Special Express 21, traveling between Bangkok's Central Station (Krungthep Aphiwat) and Ubon Ratchathani. This incident occurred near Nong Nam Khun Station and Sikhio Station in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The collapse resulted in a tragic loss of life.
According to Phiphat, initial reports were still unconfirmed about the number of deaths and injuries. Authorities are still working to confirm the figures. (Updated: 22 dead, 55 injured)
The train had a total of 195 passengers and staff on board. Phiphat expressed his deep condolences to the victims' families and those injured in the incident. He also expressed concern for all passengers affected by this tragic event.
"I have instructed the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and the Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand to investigate the cause of the accident in detail and report the results transparently," Phiphat said. "We will take all necessary steps to ensure such an incident doesn't happen again."
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has coordinated with the Ministry of Labour to determine if the victims and injured individuals were labor workers. If they qualify under the law, the Social Security Office and Compensation Fund will be contacted for appropriate and swift compensation.
Pichit Khunathammakarn, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, confirmed that investigations were underway in collaboration with relevant authorities to understand the cause of the accident and assess safety measures at construction sites.
Anan Phonimdang, Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, confirmed that upon receiving news of the incident, he immediately mobilized teams to assist the passengers. The injured have been taken to several hospitals, including Sikhio Hospital, Pak Chong Nana Hospital, Thepratan Hospital, and Bangkok Ratchasima Hospital. Efforts to confirm the number of casualties are ongoing.
