Investigation Launched Into Fatal Train and Bus Collision in Bangkok at Makkasan Intersection

Brickinfo News Agency – An investigation is underway following a fatal collision between a passenger train and a public bus, alongside several other vehicles, near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station on Asoke-Dindang Road. The crash triggered a fire, resulting in eight confirmed deaths and approximately 32 injuries. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Deputy Minister of Transport, inspected the scene and ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to examine the train’s black box recorder to determine why the train failed to stop or brake in time.

The incident involved a blue air-conditioned No. 206 public bus, registered in Bangkok, which bore the brunt of the impact. According to reports from the site, the eight deceased victims were all found inside the bus. The injured individuals have been distributed across various hospitals, with rescue workers and nearby citizens assisting in transferring them from the scene.

During his inspection, Siripong addressed questions regarding the railway crossing barrier and the signaling system at the intersection, noting an apparent failure in the standard safety sequence. “Normally, the barrier lowers first, and once it is down, a signal is given to allow the train to pass,” Siripong explained. “If the barrier does not lower and the signal is not given, the train cannot pass. However, in this case, we observed that the barrier was unable to come down.”

To uncover the exact cause of the accident and understand the driver’s actions leading up to the crash, authorities are focusing on data retrieval from the train. “As for why the train could not brake in time, we will have the SRT retrieve the black box to examine the driver’s behavior. The exact cause will be known after that,” Siripong stated. Officials are currently tracking further details to confirm the identities of the casualties and compile a full report.