[BANGKOK ] Police have confirmed that 22 people have died and 79 others have been injured after a train was struck by a construction crane in Thailand. Eight of the injured are in critical condition, authorities said.
The State Railway of Thailand said the train had 195 people on board, based on its seating plan, although the actual number of passengers and crew may vary.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Phipat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered a “thorough and comprehensive investigation” into the cause of the accident. He said the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand has been instructed to lead the inquiry.
Ratchakitprakarn said officials are working to verify the identities of the victims and are closely monitoring those who were injured. He added that families of those who died will be compensated if the victims were railway workers.
Emergency services remain at the scene and further details are expected as the investigation continues.
