BANGKOK: At least eight people were killed and 32 others were injured in Thailand on Saturday after a freight train struck a bus at a rail crossing in Bangkok, triggering a fire that engulfed the vehicle, according to rescue officials and a deputy transport minister.
Firefighters and rescue teams were dispatched as flames rapidly spread through the public bus and nearby vehicles close to the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan station, officials said. They added that the crash also involved several cars and motorcycles.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat told reporters that preliminary reports indicated the bus had been stopped on the tracks at a red light, which prevented the crossing barriers from closing in time.
He added that the freight train, which was carrying containers, was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.
“Eight people were killed and 32 injured, with the wounded being treated at various hospitals. All eight dead were on the bus,” he said.
Videos shared on social media showed the moment the train struck the bus and dragged several nearby vehicles along the tracks.
“The bus was stuck at a red light, so it couldn’t move. Cars were also blocked and unable to move forward,” said motorcycle taxi driver Wanthong Kokpho, who witnessed the crash, speaking to Reuters.
“The fire broke out immediately… If this had been a normal working day, the damage would have been much worse.”
Rescue teams worked to pull injured victims from the wreckage as firefighters battled the blaze using water hoses, officials said.
Authorities said the fire was later brought under control, while crews continued cooling the area, venting gas, and searching for any remaining victims.
They added that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.
Thailand’s roads are among the deadliest in the world, according to the World Health Organization, due to weak enforcement of safety standards.