Bangkok: A tragic collision occurred at the Makkasan intersection when a container train collided with a bus, resulting in a severe fire that claimed the lives of eight passengers and injured 25 others. The accident also involved several cars and motorcycles.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place around 3:40 PM as a freight train traveling from Chachoengsao Province to Bang Sue Station struck a Route 206 air-conditioned bus near the Makkasan Airport Rail Link station. The train was unable to brake in time due to the heavy containers it was carrying, leading to the collision and subsequent fire. The bus, which belonged to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, was reportedly stopped at a red light on the railway tracks, preventing the railway crossing barrier from lowering.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, shared initial reports indicating that the train's inability to stop in time was a key factor in the accident. Witness Worawut Mingkhwan, a 37-year-old delivery rider, described the moment the train crashed into the bus, noting that the railway crossing barrier was about to close when the bus was still on the tracks. He recounted seeing the train hit the bus, which then burst into flames.
Efforts to rescue the victims were swift, with bystanders successfully assisting the bus driver and fare collector, who were then taken to the hospital. Pol. Col. Kamphol Rattanaprateep, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, confirmed the latest reports of eight fatalities and 25 injuries resulting from the collision. The incident has raised concerns about communication errors and safety protocols at railway crossings.