32 people killed after crane fell on a train in Thailand

After a crane fell onto a moving passenger train in Thailand, 32 people have reportedly been killed and dozens more have been injured.

The crane was working on a high-speed rail project by China, when it collapsed on Special Express Train No. 21, on Wednesday. The train was enroute Ubon Ratchathani in Si Khio district from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Station. The collapse caused the train to get off the track and catch fire.

Rescue officials spent several hours clearing wreckage and searching for victims. According to reports, 64 people were injured, ranging from minor to serious injuries. Meanwhile three passengers remain missing as rescue efforts continue. 

The massive crane’s broken structure, was seen, resting on concrete pillars above the damaged train in CCTV footage of the incident. The witnesses of the incident reported hearing a loud crash and explosion when the crane fell on the train, sending heavy smoke in air. 

The crane was supposedly working on a multi-billion-dollar high-speed rail line that will link Bangkok Kunming, China, through Laos under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. 

The contractor, Italian-Thai Development, has also had previous safety issues at its prior projects. 

The authorities in Thailand are investigating the cause of the collapse while providing compensation to families of crash victims. The search and recovery operations are also underway for the missing passengers.