At least 32 people have been killed and 66 others injured after a construction crane fell onto a moving train in north-eastern Thailand.
The crane derailed the train and crushed some of its carriages, one of which caught fire. A one-year-old and an 85-year-old are among those injured, with seven people in critical condition, according to authorities.
Officials say some 171 passengers had been onboard the train when the accident occurred at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
The State Railway of Thailand has launched an investigation into the incident and announced that it is taking legal action against the construction company responsible for the crane.
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited stated that it expressed regret and it would provide compensation and relief to the families of those who died or were injured.
The train was on its way from Bangkok to the northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province, primarily carrying students and workers travelling for school and work in other districts.
A local outlet reported that the incident occurred while the crane was lifting a large concrete section which fell onto the train, leading to four coaches derailing.
Survivors described being thrown into the air at the moment of impact, as witnesses recounted seeing debris fall before the crane collapsed onto the train.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed that accountability is necessary, calling for those responsible for the negligence that led to the accident to be held accountable.
The crane was part of a US$5.4 billion Chinese-backed project aimed at connecting Bangkok to Laos.
Safety concerns have been raised regarding construction practices in Thailand, with a history of accidents prompting scrutiny. The State Railway of Thailand is seeking over 100 million baht (approximately US$3.1 billion) in damages related to this incident.
