At least 32 people have been killed and 66 others injured after a construction crane fell onto a moving train in north-eastern Thailand.
The crane derailed the train and crushed some of its carriages, one of which caught fire. A one-year-old and an 85-year-old are among those injured, with seven people in critical condition, according to authorities.
Officials say some 171 passengers had been onboard the train when the accident occurred at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
The State Railway of Thailand has launched an investigation into the incident and announced that it is taking legal action against the construction company responsible for the crane.
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited expressed regret and stated it would provide compensation and relief to the families of those impacted.
The train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, carrying mostly students and workers when the accident happened. The incident occurred while the crane was lifting a large concrete section which fell onto the train, causing multiple coaches to derail.
Eyewitness accounts detail the horrific scene, with survivors describing the moment of impact as chaotic and terrifying. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for accountability, stating negligence must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.
The crane was part of a US$5.4 billion infrastructure project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, linking Bangkok with neighboring Laos. The State Railway is suing the construction firm for damages estimated to exceed 100 million baht (US$3.1 million).
Thailand has a troubling history of construction accidents, often attributed to lax enforcement of safety regulations.
