![Une grue s'effondre sur un train de passagers, au moins 25 morts [Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/93215797/16424024223670ffaac95be16b45b52affcaf99d40d46ab8432b31e6a6f0970d)
Overview
- Officials report at least 32 dead, more than 60 injured, and three missing after a crane fell onto a Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani passenger train in Sikhiu around 9 a.m. Wednesday.
- The crane was part of construction for a China-supported high-speed rail line intended to connect Bangkok with Kunming via Laos, with this section built by a Thai firm.
- Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn identified Italian-Thai Development as the contractor, and the company is also linked to a second crane collapse near Bangkok on Thursday that killed two, triggering investigations.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul blamed the company and signaled potential legal consequences and blacklisting as authorities pursue accountability.
- Rescue work paused due to a reported chemical leak and evacuations were slowed by electric doors and windows; the minister said 195 people were on board, and witnesses said the crane appeared to slice a carriage in two.