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 said it expressed regret and would provide compensation and relief to the families of those who died or were injured.
The train had been travelling from Bangkok to the north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province when the accident occurred, carrying mostly students and workers.
Local reports indicate that the crane was lifting a large concrete section when it dropped onto the train, causing four coaches to derail.
Survivors described the chaotic scene as they were thrown into the air upon impact with the crane.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for accountability in the aftermath of this tragic incident, emphasizing that negligence could have been a factor.
The incident marks yet another in a series of construction-related accidents in Thailand, raising concerns over safety standards and regulatory enforcement.
