A collision between a freight train and a passenger bus on the outskirts of Bangkok has left eight people dead and more than 20 injured, Thai authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred at an unguarded level crossing in Samut Prakan province at approximately 7.30am local time.
Emergency services arrived to find the bus, operated by a local transport company, split in two after being struck by a 12-carriage train carrying industrial goods. The impact sent the bus careering into a roadside ditch. Rescue workers spent hours extracting bodies from the wreckage as relatives gathered at the scene.
Thai police said the driver of the bus had ignored warning signals and attempted to cross the tracks at a crossing without barriers. The train driver, who was unharmed, reported sounding the horn repeatedly before the collision. Police Colonel Sarawut Panyasakul said an investigation was under way but initial evidence suggested human error.
British forensic teams, including specialists from the UK’s Forensic Capability Network, have offered support to Thai authorities. The offer was made through the British embassy in Bangkok, which confirmed that a team of three experts in collision reconstruction and victim identification would arrive within 48 hours. The assistance follows longstanding cooperation between the two countries in disaster response.
The crash has renewed scrutiny of railway safety in Thailand, where hundreds of level crossings remain unguarded despite repeated calls for upgrades. Thailand’s State Railway said the crossing had been scheduled for installation of automatic gates later this year. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said the government would fast-track safety improvements at high-risk crossings across the country.
The bus was carrying workers from a factory in Samut Prakan to a nearby industrial estate. Survivors, most of whom suffered broken bones and lacerations, were taken to hospitals in Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Four remain in intensive care.
The British forensic offer is part of a broader agreement under the UK-Thailand Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, which includes disaster victim identification protocols. The team’s deployment is expected to last two weeks.
Thai officials have said they will review whether the bus company, which has a history of minor traffic violations, complied with safety regulations. The bus driver died in the crash.
This is a developing story. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
