Construction crane collapses on passenger train in Thailand, killing at least 12, officials say

LONDON — At least a dozen people were killed on Wednesday as a construction crane for a high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto a passenger train in Thailand, government officials said.

The train, which had departed from Bangkok, was carrying 195 passengers and staff members, according to the State Railway of Thailand. 

The crane fell onto it at about 9:05 a.m. as it traveled between stations in Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu, in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Train derailed and caught fire. 30+ passengers injured, many trapped in carriages,” the government said in a statement on social media. “Multiple rescue teams deployed.”

Investigators were working at the scene to identify the dead and injured, according to Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the deputy prime minister and minister of transport. He said in a statement released by the railway that the initial death toll had been four, but that had since risen to at least a dozen.

“These figures are currently being verified and officially confirmed by the relevant agencies on the ground,” the minister said in Thai in a statement posted to social media.

The train was listed as the Special Express Train No. 21, which connects Bangkok, the capital, with Ubon Ratchithani, a city in the northeast, according to the railway.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.