A railway worker on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani line recounted the moment a crane fell onto the train at Si Khio. He was thrown into the air and hit the ground, but after regaining his senses, he rushed to help passengers. He was only able to assist those in the third carriage, as the second carriage was on fire.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, an incident occurred involving Express Diesel Railcar Train No. 21, departing from Bangkok Apiwat Station bound for Ubon Ratchathani. A crane lifting large concrete parts used for high-speed rail construction fell onto the train carriages. The accident happened near railway kilometer marker 220, post 9, Village 11, Ban Thanon Kot, Si Khio Subdistrict, Si Khio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, causing three diesel railcar carriages to derail and catch fire.
The first and second carriages were struck by large concrete beams, causing damage and fire, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The third carriage was damaged by fallen steel framework beams. Initial reports indicate 22 deaths and over 50 injuries.
Mr. Theerasak Wongsungnoen, a train staff member, revealed that the train departed Bangkok at 06:10 to travel to Ubon Ratchathani, reaching the accident site around 09:10. The train had three carriages; the first carriage was safe, while the second and third were damaged and had injured passengers. Approximately 200 passengers were aboard this train.
At the time of the accident, he was on the train traveling at 120 kilometers per hour. When the giant crane fell and struck, the impact caused him and other passengers to be lifted off their seats and injured. Despite this, he regained composure and rushed to assist passengers. A fire broke out in the second carriage, and he and local villagers helped the injured passengers. However, the fire made rescue in the second carriage impossible, so help was limited to passengers in the third carriage.
During the interview, Mr. Theerasak was still visibly shaken by the event and bore injuries, including wounds to his fingers and bloodstained clothing, yet he continued to perform his duties and assist passengers to the fullest.
At 11:45 GMT+7, reports confirmed that all injured persons from this incident have been urgently transported to various hospitals for treatment. Those uninjured have also been moved to safe locations.