The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has identified negligence as the cause of a crane collapse from the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project that crushed an express train, causing 32 deaths. Criminal charges have been filed. Two investigation committees have been formed, with conclusions expected within 15 days. Efforts to compensate victims are underway, and the site is expected to be cleared within seven days. Authorities emphasize that this will not affect the scheduled 2030 project launch. Damage assessments will be submitted to insurance companies. SRT is reviewing safety protocols, inspecting all railway construction sites crossing train tracks, and plans to gather data to propose blacklisting contractors to the Comptroller General's Department.
Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand and Acting Governor of SRT, disclosed details about the crane collapse accident involving construction for Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. The crane fell onto Special Express Train No. 21 running from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani, between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The incident occurred yesterday (14 Jan 2026). He described it as a serious accident during the construction of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail line. The contractor responsible is Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, working on contracts 3 and 4 covering civil works from Lam Takhong to Sikhiu and Kutjik to Khok Kruat. Structural components fell onto the operating train, resulting in 32 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Following the incident, SRT has filed criminal charges for negligence causing death. At today's (15 Jan 2026) SRT board meeting, discussions focused on victim compensation, thorough cause investigations, and reviewing prevention measures to avoid recurrence. The Ministry of Transport has established an investigative committee chaired by Mr. Jiraphong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, with representatives from the Engineering Council and independent agencies to ensure transparent and comprehensive examination. Meanwhile, SRT has formed a separate safety and operational risk committee. Both investigations are expected to conclude within about 15 days.
, Mr. Anan added that the accident site is on a curve with complex engineering challenges. The high-speed rail structure must cross over the existing railway because the curve radius for high-speed trains is wider than for regular trains. The fallen component was a front support device for installing concrete parts, part of the project's final construction phase, with progress over 99% complete. He confirmed the accident will not delay the overall high-speed rail Phase 1 project, which is expected to be completed and operational by 2030.
Regarding removal and restoration, the plan is to spend about seven days dismantling the Launcher Gantry structure weighing approximately 400 tons and repairing the railway to normal operation. This will be done with utmost caution to prevent further accidents. Meanwhile, SRT has temporarily closed the affected railway section and rerouted impacted trains via the Bua Yai line to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
Initial damage assessments show severe destruction to two diesel locomotive units, with repair costs estimated at approximately 105 million baht. Replacement costs per unit would be about 70 million baht. The railway track was also damaged along a length of about 20 meters. SRT will evaluate commercial losses and lost opportunities due to service disruption to support civil claims against those responsible and to submit insurance claims. The construction project is covered by third-party liability insurance encompassing property damage, passengers, and other affected parties. SRT is currently negotiating with insurers to clarify compensation and relief frameworks promptly.
, Mr. Anan further stated that Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited holds four construction contracts with SRT, including:
After this incident, SRT will inspect all construction sites crossing railway tracks across all projects, regardless of contractor. Safety measures will be proactively enhanced, including installing CCTV and sensors to detect abnormalities in large construction equipment. Regarding blacklisting contractors, SRT will compile data and report to the Comptroller General's Department for consideration.
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