At least 31 people are feared dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand, causing one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters in recent years. The train was traveling at approximately 120 kilometers per hour when the crane fell, striking the cars with such force that witnesses described the train as being “sliced in half.”

The incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. local time in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, roughly 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Authorities said the crane, which was part of an ongoing construction project near the tracks, toppled directly onto the train as it passed underneath, causing several carriages to derail and catch fire.

Initial reports confirmed at least 22 fatalities, but police and emergency officials later warned that the death toll was expected to rise significantly as rescuers continued searching through twisted metal and burned wreckage. Many passengers were trapped inside damaged carriages, complicating rescue efforts and slowing access to survivors.

Emergency crews, including firefighters, medical teams, and disaster response units, rushed to the scene. Hospitals in the region were placed on emergency footing as dozens of injured passengers were transported for treatment. Authorities described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the tracks and surrounding area.

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crane collapse, focusing on construction safety standards, equipment maintenance, and whether proper precautions were taken while work was being conducted near an active rail line. The tragedy has reignited concerns in Thailand over infrastructure safety and oversight at major construction sites.

As recovery operations continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when heavy construction equipment fails near public transportation corridors.