The incident involving a construction crane falling onto Special Express Train No. 21 in Nakhon Ratchasima province has progressed, with the death toll now at 29. Meanwhile, the Nakhon Ratchasima governor has ordered a temporary halt to the search for victims inside the train carriages because the damaged crane is shaking, raising concerns about potential accidents affecting the rescue team.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reporters provided updates on the crane collapse at a high-speed rail construction site that fell onto the diesel-powered special express passenger train No. 21 near Ban Thanonkhot railway, between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations, Sikhiu subdistrict, Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The train departed from Krung Thep Apiwat station bound for Ubon Ratchathani. The construction work in this area is part of the civil engineering contracts 3-4 for the Lam Takhong-Sikhiu and Kut Chik-Khok Kruat sections under the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail contract 3-4, carried out by Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited. As of December 2025, construction progress was at 99.54%.
At 13:00 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Mr. Wijit Kitwirat, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, held a press conference in Sunet 1 room at Sikhiu Hospital regarding the crane collapse on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani train. The Medical and Public Health Operations Center of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office reported that as of 12:50, there were 86 victims: 22 deaths, all bodies sent to Sikhiu Hospital for identification. Injured numbered 64, who were being urgently distributed for treatment at various hospitals: Sikhiu Hospital with 6 severe, 15 moderate, and 34 minor injuries; Sung Noen Hospital with 1 severe, 4 moderate, and 3 minor injuries; and Pak Chong Nana Hospital with 1 severe injury. All injured were receiving appropriate care.
At 14:20, additional deceased were found, raising the death toll to 28. The number of injured remained at 64. Some critically and severely injured patients were transferred for further treatment at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and Theparat Hospital.
Meanwhile, reporters interviewed Mr. Theerasak Wongsungnoen, a train brakeman on the affected train, who was still shocked by the incident, with clothes stained with blood and a finger injury, but still actively assisting passengers. He revealed, “This train departed Bangkok at 06:10 heading to Ubon Ratchathani, arriving at the accident site around 09:10 with three carriages. The first carriage was unharmed; the damaged carriages with injured passengers were the second and third. About 200 passengers were on board. At the time, I was inside the train traveling at 120 km/h. When the giant crane collapsed and struck, I and the passengers were lifted off the floor and injured, but I managed to regain composure and help passengers. However, when the second carriage caught fire, I could no longer assist there and only helped evacuate passengers from the third carriage.”
Relatives of the deceased can inquire at the Medical Situation Monitoring Center for the crane collapse incident by calling 065-506-6499, or at Sikhiu Hospital at 090-976-8154, Sung Noen Hospital at 044-419-712 ext. 116 or 044-286-422 ext. 116.
Reports indicate that Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongsak Promtha, Chief of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, said police ordered Sikhiu Police Station to fully facilitate the transfer of deceased and injured. A command center was established to assist relatives seeking information. Nearly all deceased inside train carriages have been removed, with officials verifying completeness. Forensic units are on site for evidence examination. The cause remains undetermined as rescue efforts continue. Investigators, traffic police, and crime suppression officers are managing scene assistance. Rescue teams reported 19 bodies recovered and 9 still inside train carriages, raising the death toll to 28.
The initial death toll of 28 victims trapped inside the train carriages prompted rescue teams to intensify efforts to assist the injured, distributing them to hospitals including Pak Chong Hospital, Sikhiu Hospital, Sung Noen Hospital, Bangkok-Pak Chong Hospital, and Theparat Hospital. A coordination center was established under the direction of Mr. Anupong Suksamanit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Latest reports state that Governor Anupong Suksamanit of Nakhon Ratchasima has ordered all agencies involved in rescue efforts to temporarily suspend the search for victims inside the train carriages due to the unstable shaking of the damaged crane, which poses a risk to rescue teams. The company responsible for the project has brought in experts to repair the crane by securing its mast for the safety of personnel, so that search and rescue operations can continue safely.
As of 15:00, the death toll stands at 29, with 67 injured.