Bangkok: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has issued a formal apology to the families of those who lost their lives in a recent train accident and has announced compensation of 300,000 baht per family. The Department of Rail Transport has also taken legal steps by filing a police report against the train driver who parked their train across the tracks during the incident.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Worasak Pisitbannakorn, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, provided updates on the ongoing investigation into the collision between a train and a Route 206 bus. Investigators are currently in the process of gathering evidence and have summoned 14 additional individuals along with 2 railway officials for questioning. The investigation aims to thoroughly assess the responsibilities of all involved parties, including the bus driver, train driver, and signalman, to ensure compliance with their duties.
Standard traffic coordination practices were reportedly in place on the day of the incident, but investigations revealed no notification was received from the railway company. Authorities plan to review CCTV footage to check for any breaches of traffic signals by drivers or the public. The case will be pursued diligently based on available evidence, with potential charges ranging from violations of the Traffic Act to negligence.
Mr. Udom Maopetch, Chief Civil Engineer of SRT, expressed sorrow for the incident and officially apologized to the families, noting that management had visited the site to provide initial assistance and compensation. The SRT has provided compensation of 300,000 baht to each family of the deceased and is also covering the medical expenses of the injured, with funds sourced directly from the SRT's budget.
Recent reports indicate that Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, has sent a legal representative to Makkasan Police Station to file a complaint against individuals who drove onto the train tracks at the time of the incident. The police are contemplating charges against motorcycle and car drivers for obstructing the railway tracks, in violation of the Rail Transport Act and related offenses. Witness statements are currently being collected, and further investigations will identify the individuals responsible.