A tragic incident occurred in central Bangkok as Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, inspected the scene where BMTA bus route 206 was stopped on the railway tracks at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection before being hit by a State Railway freight train, causing a fire. Initial reports confirm 8 fatalities and over 25 injured. BMTA announced compensation of 1.5 million baht per deceased and full medical care for the injured. Meanwhile, the Airport Rail Link Makkasan station has resumed normal service.
Reporters stated that on 16 May 2026 at 15:35 GMT+7, a serious accident occurred involving freight train number 2126, running from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue Junction of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). It collided with BMTA bus route 206, which was stopped on the railway tracks due to a red traffic signal at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection on the level crossing between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations. The collision caused a severe accident and fire at the scene. Initial reports confirm 8 fatalities inside the bus and approximately 25 injured. Rescue and relevant agencies promptly assisted and transported the injured to hospitals.
Regarding the impact on the Airport Rail Link (ARL) system at Makkasan station located above the accident site, smoke from the fire drifted over the platform. For passenger safety, Makkasan station was temporarily closed and trains passed through without stopping. After firefighters controlled the fire below, the ARL resumed normal station operations at 16:35 GMT+7.
Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, said after inspecting the train-bus collision at the Makkasan intersection that initial reports of the losses have been received, and he has urgently instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor and manage the situation.
Latest reports confirm a total of 8 deaths at the scene, all passengers inside the bus. Police and forensic teams are expediting identification of the victims. There are 32 injured receiving treatment across various hospitals, including 2 in critical condition, with the rest having moderate to minor injuries.
Injuries may include not only bus passengers but also nearby individuals affected by the accident. The bus driver died at the scene, and the train driver sustained head injuries and is currently hospitalized.
Siripong emphasized concerns regarding the railway barrier gate failing to lower at the time of the accident. Normally, the barriers must close before the signal allows the train to proceed, but in this case, the barrier did not operate, representing a serious malfunction.
"I have ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to thoroughly examine the train’s black box data to analyze the driver’s speed and whether the train slowed down," Siripong said..
He also stated that CCTV footage from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and cameras at the railway barrier control box have been handed over to police to scientifically verify the cause and determine responsibility. Train services through Makkasan intersection have been temporarily suspended, causing about four trains to be stranded today while police complete thorough on-site investigations before moving the trains.
. Siripongsaid the SRT will consider compensation measures for stranded passengers, such as ticket refunds or providing replacement buses. He pledged to restore normal traffic as soon as police clear the area. While no amount can replace lost lives, the ministry will provide the best care. BMTA has insurance covering compensation expected to exceed 1 million baht per victim and will coordinate with the Department of Land Transport to monitor all injured patients closely at hospitals.
Pichit Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, said after leading officials and experts to the accident site with relevant agencies that they are investigating the facts and directing assistance to victims. He also instructed the SRT to fully cooperate with police in collecting evidence and investigating the accident’s cause.
The Ministry of Transport and the Department of Rail Transport have ordered strict actions, requiring the SRT to work with the department to investigate the accident and determine the cause at the level crossing to urgently address the root problems.
. Relevant agenciesexpress deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured. They thanked rescue workers, firefighters, police, and all involved for their swift response. They also commit to fully enhancing rail transport safety measures to ensure stable and safe travel in the long term.
Kittikan Chomduang Jaruwarapolkul, Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said regarding the collision involving the BMTA bus and train at Makkasan intersection that BMTA is fully prepared to take responsibility and provide compensation to the deceased and injured. Families of the deceased will receive initial compensation of about 1.5 million baht each. Injured persons will be compensated according to the severity of injuries: general injuries receive about 80,000 baht, while disabilities receive up to 500,000 baht.
Medical expenses will be covered under insurance, which BMTA will manage entirely. They reaffirmed commitment to support all affected by the incident. Injured persons have been gradually transported to several hospitals, including Rajavithi, Ramathibodi, and Police General Hospital. However, the final numbers of deaths and injuries remain unconfirmed as rescue teams continue detailed on-site investigations.
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