New Delhi erupted in grief over a catastrophic train accident in Thailand that claimed 32 lives and left 70 others wounded. The incident, which unfolded on January 14, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, saw a massive crane collapse onto a moving passenger train, derailing several coaches and igniting fires in parts of the wreckage.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly expressed profound condolences via social media platform X, stating, ‘We are deeply saddened by the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Our heartfelt sympathies go to the people and government of Thailand during this hour of grief. We extend our deepest condolences to the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.’
The tragedy struck around 9:05 AM in the Sikhio district, approximately 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The train was en route to Ubon Ratchathani when the construction crane, operating parallel to the tracks for a high-speed rail project, lost balance and plummeted onto the speeding locomotive. Eyewitness accounts and viral videos captured the chaos: twisted metal, rescuers wielding torches to free trapped passengers, and emergency teams battling blazes amid the debris.
Thai authorities mobilized firefighters, medical units, and disaster response teams immediately. The public relations department confirmed the deployment of multiple rescue squads, noting that many passengers were trapped inside the derailed coaches at the time of impact.
This devastating event underscores the perils of construction near active rail lines, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols. As investigations unfold, the global community watches closely, with India’s solidarity highlighting deepening bilateral ties amid shared sorrow. Families worldwide await news of their loved ones, while Thailand’s resilient spirit shines through in the heroic rescue efforts.
