Update on the "crane collapse onto the Si Khio train": authorities continue to expedite dismantling and clearing the site. Regarding the investigation, police have already questioned over 80 witnesses and recovered the "black boxes" from the first and third train carriages, which are currently being examined.
On 17 Jan 2026 GMT+7, progress in the case of the crane collapsing onto a train in Si Khio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province—which caused multiple deaths and injuries—was reported. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) agreed with the contractor to complete removal within three days, which ends today.
At 08:00 GMT+7, reporters at the site observed that removal progress was limited to lowering the 80-ton blue hoist from the orange crane. Most of the crane's structure remained unchanged, and the entire area had not yet been cleared as planned.
The contractor continues to prioritize safety, bringing in nearly 10 large cranes to support the orange crane with slings to prevent collapse or movement during dismantling. Workers are sent atop the crane to unscrew and separate the steel frame piece by piece rather than using cutting torches, to avoid sparks and fire risks due to oil residues from the earlier train explosion at the site.
Meanwhile, reopening the railway line at the site is delayed because any remaining crane parts pose safety risks. The State Railway cannot yet deploy staff for full track repairs.
At 10:00 GMT+7, SRT staff began gradually replacing railroad ties, but only in limited sections before and after the accident site. Heavy machinery is still operating at the main point of impact, and the contractor has yet to remove the orange crane, preventing full track repairs there.
SRT has temporarily rerouted the Ubon Ratchathani line via Kaeng Khoi Junction – Bua Yai Junction – Nakhon Ratchasima. Passengers holding tickets for travel between 14 and 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7 who choose not to travel can request refunds at any train station nationwide or inquire 24/7 at the customer service center by calling 1690.
At Si Khio Police Station, Police Major General Raphipong Sukpaiboon, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 3, appointed by Police Lieutenant General Prutthipong Prayoonsiri, Commander of Provincial Police Region 3, held a meeting with investigators to review progress and accelerate the inquiry into the high-speed train construction crane collapse incident in Si Khio District, Nakhon Ratchasima.
Police Colonel Thatchapon Chinwong, Chief of Si Khio Police Station, and related officials attended the intensive meeting and inspected the scene. They instructed investigators to expedite evidence collection thoroughly and to conduct the investigation properly in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
So far, over 80 witnesses have been interviewed, with ongoing questioning of local residents who witnessed the incident. The investigation team, comprising officials from several departments, was urged to proceed swiftly. Police affirmed they are conducting a comprehensive and impartial investigation, ensuring fairness to all parties, though the process may take time.
Meanwhile, Police Major General Narongsak Promtha, Commander of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, received a briefing from Police Colonel Thatchapon Chinwong and the investigative team to establish a framework for the case. Today, officials will summon workers and local residents from the accident area for questioning. Engineers from the Italian-Thai company gave testimony two days ago; one remains to be interviewed and coordination is underway.
Regarding CCTV or "black boxes," railway officials and investigators have recovered two units from the first and third train carriages. The second carriage was damaged by fire and may require data recovery efforts currently in progress. Railway personnel will analyze the recordings before handing them over to investigators.
At the Queen Sirikit Royal Emergency and Trauma Center at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and the Electricity Authority building, relatives of the injured were waiting to visit. Medical staff allowed visits only by parents and siblings.
Dr. Yolda Wangsupakijkosol, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization, along with Mr. Chonbanlue Watthanapan, Director of Tourism and Sports for Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Mr. Thanakorn Praphutthipong, Deputy President of the Provincial Administrative Organization, and other department heads visited the injured. They presented gift baskets to offer encouragement and expressed gratitude to doctors, nurses, and staff providing excellent care and first aid.