Eyewitnesses recount the tense moment when a freight train collided with Bus Route 206, igniting a severe fire in the middle of Makkasan. So far, 8 people have died and many others are injured.
At 15:50 on 16 May 2026, a freight train originating from Chachoengsao province and headed to Bang Sue Station crashed into an air-conditioned bus on Route 206, which runs from Mega Bangna to Bang Khen. The collision occurred near the Makkasan Airport Rail Link station, resulting in a severe fire engulfing the bus and causing numerous deaths and injuries.
Additionally, near the scene, wreckage from multiple motorcycles and cars involved in secondary accidents was found, with further fires breaking out in the area. Firefighters, police from Makkasan Police Station, and various foundation personnel mobilized to control the situation, successfully extinguishing the flames. Authorities are currently working to recover vehicle remains and extract bodies trapped inside the bus for further investigation.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the site to inspect the incident. He reported that initially, 8 fatalities and about 25 injured persons have been confirmed. The injured are being distributed to various hospitals for treatment. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) will fully support the victims. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Regarding reports that the bus was stopped blocking the railway tracks, this is only preliminary information. Officials are awaiting a full investigation. However, the train involved was a heavy freight train.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, visited the site to monitor the situation. He initially consulted with the Director of Ratchathewi District, where officials explained that a freight train running from Chachoengsao to Bang Sue encountered a bus stopped blocking the railway tracks. Traffic congestion caused the railway barriers to malfunction, allowing the train to collide with the bus and drag it about 50 meters, igniting a fire. The incident resulted in 8 confirmed deaths and over 20 injuries. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals. Further details await official reports.
Mr. Aun, 38, one of those affected by the train collision with the bus before the fire broke out at the railway crossing, described the moment: While driving and waiting near the crossing, he suddenly heard two loud crashes, then felt a strong impact on the left side of his car caused by the collision.
Looking back, he saw the train dragging the bus to another area and the fire erupting immediately. He said he was still shocked because the event happened so quickly. If his car had not been pushed out of the way, it might have been dragged along with the bus.
He also expressed gratitude to local motorcycle taxi drivers who helped clear the road and move vehicles away from the scene while the fire was burning, fearing a potential explosion. Subsequently, another loud explosion-like sound was heard near the burning vehicle.