By Admin 
A horrific train accident in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday morning shocked the entire country. A passenger train derailed when the crane of an under-construction high-speed rail project fell on three bogies of the train. At least 19 people have died so far in this painful accident, while about 80 passengers are said to be injured. According to police officials, it is feared that some bodies may still be trapped in the debris, which need to be taken out. Efforts are ongoing.
The accident occurred in Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, which is located about 230 kilometers north-east of the capital Bangkok. The train that crashed was heading from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. According to eyewitnesses and police, when the train was passing by the spot, a heavy crane of the high-speed rail line being built above suddenly collapsed and fell directly on three bogies of the train. After the collision, the train derailed and a fire broke out for some time.
Bodies still trapped in debris, rescue operation risky
Local police officer Colonel Thachapon Chinnavong said that 19 bodies have been recovered so far, but some bodies are still trapped inside the train bogies. Due to the fear of the crane shaking, the rescue team had to retreat for the time being as the situation is extremely dangerous. Rescue teams are trying to remove the debris with the help of heavy machinery, but due to safety reasons the work is being done very carefully.
There were 195 passengers on board, maximum damage occurred in two coaches.
Thailand’s Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said in a statement that a total of 195 passengers were on board the train. He said that the passengers who died were in the two coaches on which the crane fell directly. The minister has ordered a thorough investigation into this incident and said that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Question on high-speed rail project under construction
The crane which caused this accident was engaged in the construction of an elevated high-speed rail line. This line was being built over the existing railway track. Many such high-speed rail projects are under construction in Thailand, but this accident has raised serious questions about construction safety standards.
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