Crane collapse derails passenger train in Thailand, at least 22 killed

The train travelling from Thailand's capital to the country's northeast when the mishap occurred

A construction crane at a China-backed high-speed rail project collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, causing the train to derail and killing at least 22 people, according to AFP.

The crane, which was being used to construct an elevated highspeed railway, fell onto the moving train, which was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, causing the train to derail and catch fire, according to Nakhon Ratchasima's Public Relations Department.

It said in a Facebook post that four bodies were recovered and at least 30 other people were injured. It was unclear how many passengers were on the train.

The department said the fire was under control and that rescuers were searching for people trapped inside the train.

The accident took place in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 km (143 miles) northeast of Bangkok, on the train bound for Ubon Ratchathani province, according to reports.