Mr. Phiphat ordered a strict investigation into the construction crane collapse onto a train, instructing the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and the State Railway Governor to urgently inspect the site and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
On 14 January 2026, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed he had received reports about a construction crane collapsing onto Special Express Train No. 21 traveling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani, between Nong Nam Khun and Si Khio stations in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The report came from Mr. Pichet Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, and Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, acting as Governor.
. He stated that initial reports confirmed 4 deaths, but the number has since risen to 12 fatalities: 7 in carriage 2 and 5 in carriage 3. These figures are still being verified officially by local authorities.
Additional reports indicate that Special Express Train No. 21 had a total of 195 passengers and staff, counted according to the seating layout. Authorities are currently verifying identities and closely caring for the injured.
. Mr. Phiphat expressed deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured in this incident, also showing concern for all passengers and affected citizens. He ordered the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and the State Railway Governor to promptly visit the site to thoroughly investigate the accident's causes and provide a clear, transparent report to prevent recurrence.
He also assigned the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with the Ministry of Labor to determine whether the deceased and injured were laborers. If applicable under the law, they will expedite coordination with the Social Security Office and Compensation Fund to ensure appropriate and swift assistance and compensation.
. Mr. Pichet Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, revealed that he promptly visited the site with relevant agencies to investigate the facts, causes, and safety measures at the construction area urgently.
. Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, acting as Governor, stated that upon receiving the report, he immediately went to the scene to oversee passenger assistance, coordinating medical teams and related agencies to care for the injured, who were sent to Si Khio Hospital, Pak Chong Nana Hospital (Pak Chong District), Theparat Hospital (Khok Kruat Subdistrict), and Bangkok Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital (Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima). They are verifying casualty figures and tracking details to provide updates soon.
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