The Police Chief has ordered an investigation into the train and bus drivers on charges of negligence causing deaths. He revealed that officials controlling the railway barriers have been detained for questioning and emphasized the need to enforce traffic discipline among Bangkok drivers.
Following an accident involving freight train No. 2126 from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue Junction of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), which collided with bus route 206 stopped on the railway tracks due to a red light at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection near the Asoke-Din Daeng level crossing (between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations), resulting in 8 fatalities and about 32 injured at around 15:40 on 16 May 2026, as previously reported.
At 21:00, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the Police Chief, visited the scene of the train-bus collision that caused a fire. He said he ordered the Metropolitan Police Chief, the commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, and Makkasan Police Station to urgently manage traffic to allow smooth travel. He also coordinated with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and related agencies to move the bus from the train. The bus has now been moved slightly, with only some concrete slabs remaining to be shifted.
The Police Chief stated that traffic information is being continuously provided to the public. Simultaneously, he ordered the investigation unit to proceed legally against the train and bus drivers on charges of negligence causing deaths. They are expediting the collection of evidence, including CCTV footage and other proof, with significant progress in the case.
When asked about reports that the train driver survived while the bus driver died, and whether officials controlling the railway barriers were detained, Police General Kittirat said he had been informed the bus driver was still alive, while the train driver was injured. He stressed that the incident caused great damage, so legal and regulatory procedures concerning the detention of involved individuals must be followed.
Regarding legal issues under the Land Traffic Act that prohibit vehicles from approaching railway crossings within 5 meters and concerns about the train’s speed, the Police Chief said he instructed a thorough review of all related regulations and laws. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called the incident an important lesson, especially for public transport drivers who must be responsible for others’ lives and property.
The Police Chief noted that CCTV footage clearly shows the bus stopped over the railway tracks. Regardless of whether a train was coming or the barriers had lowered, drivers should keep the legally required distance from the tracks. He emphasized that this incident highlights the need to strengthen traffic discipline.
When asked if the bus stopping over the tracks was illegal, the Police Chief said it may be more than just a borderline violation. Stopping a vehicle on railway tracks is inherently improper since the potential damage can be reasonably anticipated.
There were also questions about coordination between railway barrier officials and traffic police in clearing the crossing. The Police Chief said he ordered an investigation into whether the barrier personnel notified the police and whether railway staff, aware of the approaching train, warned traffic police or drivers to move vehicles and evacuate passengers. He believes timely warnings could have reduced the damage.
Regarding whether the train driver should have seen the bus stopped on the tracks from about 500 meters away and whether this implies negligence, the Police Chief said the investigation will focus on three main points: distance, speed, and timing. It will also examine whether warnings to clear the tracks were given and how coordination was handled as the train approached the crossing.
When asked if the bus driver is considered at fault, the Police Chief initially said it appears to be negligence because stopping over railway tracks is a risky behavior. Although the investigation into facts and legal issues continues, CCTV clearly shows the bus stopped on the tracks while the train was traveling its normal route.
Regarding public questions about why the train did not stop if the bus was negligent, the Police Chief said the investigation results must be the basis. They will consider whether the train driver exercised sufficient caution, including slowing down, responding to warning signals, and perceiving traffic conditions at the crossing.
Finally, the Police Chief urged the public to take this incident as a warning, especially to avoid parking near railway tracks even during traffic jams. He stressed that everyone must observe traffic discipline and work together to prevent such tragedies, acknowledging that while such accidents happen frequently, they can be prevented by fostering discipline and safety awareness in road use.
At 21:40, the State Railway brought a new locomotive to move freight cars after previously relocating vehicles from the accident scene.