Thailand train-bus collision kills at least 8 in Bangkok

BANGKOK: At least eight people were killed and 25 others were injured after a collision involving a train and a public bus sparked a fire in Bangkok on Saturday, according to rescue officials and police.

Authorities said firefighters and rescue teams were sent to the scene after flames engulfed the bus and nearby vehicles. Officials said the crash also involved cars and motorcycles.

Bangkok police chief Urumporn Koondejsumrit said, Eight people have died and 35 others were injured.

The Erawan Medical Centre told AFP the collision resulted in eight dead and 25 injured but it may change.

Rescue workers were seen pulling injured people from the wreckage while fire crews used water hoses to contain the blaze. Officials said the fire has now been brought under control, with crews cooling the area, venting gas and continuing to search for victims.

The accident took place early in the afternoon. Images shared on social media showed a train approaching a level crossing at a moderate speed before striking the bus, which immediately caught fire.

A witness who was near the intersection with her daughter told Thai PBS, I didn’t dare look back to see if there were any victims.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an investigation into the incident, according to a statement from his office. Officials said the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Casualty figures differ in official accounts

Two different injury tolls were cited in the immediate aftermath of the crash. While the Bangkok police chief put the number of injured at 35, the Erawan Medical Centre said 25 people were hurt and noted that the figure could change.

Both accounts, however, said at least eight people were killed in the collision between the train and the bus in the Thai capital.

Transport safety concerns in Thailand

Deadly transport accidents are common in Thailand, which frequently ranks among the countries with the world’s deadliest roads. Speeding, drink-driving and weak law enforcement are among the contributing factors.

Eight people have died and 35 others were injured, Bangkok police chief Urumporn Koondejsumrit said.

I didn’t dare look back to see if there were any victims, a witness told Thai PBS.

Emergency crews remained at the site as the search for victims continued and investigators worked to determine what caused the crash.