In a shocking turn of events, a passenger train in Thailand became the victim of a falling crane, resulting in 32 deaths and over 70 injuries. The accident in Nakhon Ratchasima province prompted an immediate outpouring of condolences from India, underscoring the nation’s empathy for its Southeast Asian neighbor.
India’s foreign ministry took to X to convey its anguish: ‘We are heartbroken over the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on 14 January 2026. Heartfelt condolences to Thailand’s people and government in this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the grieving families, and we wish swift healing for all injured.’
The sequence of horror began at 9:05 AM in Sikhio, as the Ubon Ratchathani-bound train traversed tracks adjacent to a high-speed rail build site. The crane, hoisted for parallel construction, catastrophically failed, crashing onto the train and hurling coaches off the rails. Subsequent fires intensified the mayhem, trapping commuters inside scorching compartments.
Rescue videos circulating online depict the frenzy: teams with hydraulic cutters battling warped wreckage, disaster units coordinating mass evacuations, and healthcare professionals stabilizing victims amid the rubble. Official statements from Thailand’s public relations arm verified rapid deployment of aid, with many aboard pinned at impact.
Situated 230 km northeast of Bangkok, the site now symbolizes a stark reminder of infrastructure risks. India’s supportive voice joins a chorus demanding rigorous oversight in such zones. With probes underway, the focus shifts to honoring the lost, supporting survivors, and fortifying future safeguards against similar tragedies.