Latest: Freight Train Collides With Public Bus In Bangkok Leaving 8 Dead And 25 Injured

Brickinfo News Agency – A fatal collision between a State Railway of Thailand (SRT) freight train and a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon has left at least eight people dead and approximately 25 others injured. The accident, which occurred near the Makkasan station, caused the bus to burst into flames, temporarily disrupted the nearby Airport Rail Link operations, and damaged several surrounding vehicles.

The incident took place at 3:35 PM on May 16, 2026, at the Asoke-Dindaeng level crossing between Khlong Tan and Makkasan stations. Freight train No. 2126, traveling from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue Junction, collided with a Route 206 public bus. Preliminary reports indicate the bus was stranded on the tracks due to a red traffic light at the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection, preventing the automatic railway barrier from lowering properly. Because the train was heavily loaded with cargo containers, it was unable to stop in time to avoid the impact.

Following the crash, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat immediately inspected the scene and ordered relevant agencies to expedite rescue operations. He provided an official update regarding the casualties and emergency response.

“Initially, I received reports of eight fatalities and approximately 25 injuries. The injured individuals are currently being distributed to various hospitals for medical treatment. The BMTA will fully take care of the victims, while we await a definitive conclusion on the cause from officials,” Siripong stated.

The fire and subsequent explosions generated dense smoke that rose to cover the platforms of the Airport Rail Link (ARL) Makkasan Station located directly above the crash site. For passenger safety, the station was temporarily closed, and trains skipped Makkasan without stopping. Firefighters brought the blaze under control, allowing the ARL Makkasan Station to resume normal operations at 4:35 PM.

Pichet Kunathammaraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), also led a team of experts to the site to investigate the facts alongside related agencies. He instructed the SRT to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials in gathering evidence and investigating the exact cause of the crash. The Ministry of Transport and the DRT have jointly ordered the SRT to conduct an official accident investigation at this specific level crossing to implement urgent preventive measures.