Crane collapse kills 32 in train disaster

A construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Thailand on Wednesday, killing at least 29 people. The derailment sparked a massive fire. Rescue workers continue searching for survivors among the wreckage.

A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday. The train derailed and a fire broke out. At least 32 people have been killed and another 64 injured in the accident, according to AP.

Crane fell during high-speed rail construction

The derailment occurred on part of a planned high-speed rail project connecting China with Southeast Asia.

The construction crane was being used to build an elevated section of the railway when it fell.

Images show massive smoke clouds rising from the accident site. Several of the train carriages also have large, torn holes. Moreover, debris from the construction crane that caused the accident is scattered along the track.

Rescue workers are on site and continue to search through the wreckage for survivors. Meanwhile, paramedics are also present to provide first aid.

A total of 195 people were on the train at the time of the accident.

Part of major Thai-Chinese railway project

The elevated segment that collapsed is part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. The project has a total investment cost of more than $16.8 billion.

The construction crane incident highlights safety concerns surrounding the ambitious infrastructure development. The railway is designed to eventually link Bangkok with the northeastern province of Nong Khai, bordering Laos.