Mystery surrounds the railway barrier in a tragic incident where a train crashed into a bus in downtown Bangkok. The timeline of the critical moments includes the bus catching fire, while society questions how to resolve railway crossing issues amid heavy traffic congestion.
At 15:42 on 16 May 2016, Makkasan Police Station received reports of a train collision involving a public bus and several cars, causing a fire with multiple fatalities and injuries.
The incident occurred near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road, Makkasan subdistrict, Ratchathewi district, Bangkok. Police Colonel Uramphon Khundechsamrit, superintendent of Makkasan Police Station, emergency response personnel from Bangkok’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, five fire trucks, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rushed to the scene.
At the scene beside the Makkasan railway, flames engulfed an orange air-conditioned public bus, route 23, running between Hua Khwang Samrong and Thewet, as well as freight train number 4531 and several cars. Passengers on the bus were injured and rushed off the vehicle.
Many injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. Drivers and passengers in the cars and motorcycles involved fled the scene to escape the danger.
An eyewitness said that while driving and waiting near the railway crossing, they suddenly heard two loud collisions. Their car was struck on the left side by the impact. Looking back, they saw the train sweeping the bus aside, which immediately caught fire. The witness added they were still in shock as the event happened quickly. Had their car not been pushed away, it might have been swept along with the bus.
Freight train: At 15:31, train number 2126 from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue stopped at Khlong Tan station.
Heavy traffic: Vehicles congested at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection, between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations.
Bus: Route 206 stopped across the railway tracks, held by a red traffic light.
Critical moment: The train approached at speed and struck the bus.
Fire: The impact caused the bus to catch fire completely.
Tragedy: The bus fire caused immediate death of eight people.
Injuries: Approximately 32 people were injured.
Barrier failure: Witnesses reported the railway barrier did not lower.
Risk spot: This location frequently experiences heavy traffic with vehicles often stranded on the railway tracks.
Investigation: Relevant agencies are conducting further inspections.