At least eight people were killed and more than 20 injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
Details of the Accident
Thai media reports indicate that the accident occurred late in the afternoon near an airport rail link station in the central part of the city. Bangkok’s emergency services agency, the Erawan Medical Center, confirmed the death toll and stated that several injured individuals had been transported for medical treatment.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Thailand’s deputy transport minister, informed reporters at the scene that all recovered bodies were found inside the bus. He added that authorities are still working to determine the number of passengers aboard the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigation Underway
When questioned about reports that the bus may have stopped on the railway tracks and whether the crossing barriers had failed to lower properly, Siripong stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Videos circulating on social media show several vehicles halted at the railway crossing moments before the collision. The cargo train is then seen crashing into an orange public bus, dragging nearby vehicles along the tracks. The bus subsequently caught fire following the impact.
Some footage also depicts motorcycles and riders being thrown onto the road after the collision. Later videos from the scene show rescue personnel entering the charred remains of the bus after firefighters managed to bring the flames under control.
Official Response
The Erawan Medical Center confirmed the death toll and noted that several injured people have been taken for treatment. The deputy transport minister reiterated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
This tragic event highlights the dangers at railway crossings and the need for improved safety measures. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
