At least 32 people have been killed and 66 others injured after a construction crane fell onto a moving train in north-eastern Thailand.
The crane derailed the train and crushed some of its carriages, one of which caught fire. A one-year-old and an 85-year-old are among those injured, with seven people in critical condition, according to authorities.
Officials say some 171 passengers had been onboard the train when the accident occurred at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
The State Railway of Thailand has launched an investigation into the incident and announced that it is taking legal action against the construction company responsible for the crane.
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited said it expressed regret and it would provide compensation and relief to the families of those who died or were injured.
The train had been travelling from Bangkok to the north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province when the accident occurred, carrying mostly students and workers traveling for school and work in other districts.
Local outlet The Nation reported that the incident occurred while the crane was lifting a large concrete section which dropped onto the train, causing four coaches to derail.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with one survivor recounting how the force of the collapse threw passengers into the air.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for accountability, stating that such accidents indicate negligence or failures in the construction process. The crane was part of a significant US$5.4bn project connecting Bangkok to Laos.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns regarding construction safety standards in Thailand, where accidents of this nature have been more common.
