Residents of Ban Thanon Khot in Thailand are still struggling to process the devastating train disaster that turned an ordinary day into a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
The quiet railway town is used to the constant rumble of passing trains, but on Wednesday that familiar sound was replaced by a violent crash that left dozens dead and many more injured.
Witnesses say a construction crane suddenly collapsed onto a moving passenger train, crushing several carriages and setting part of the train on fire. At least 32 people were killed, while 66 others were injured, including a one-year-old child and an 85-year-old passenger. Seven victims remain in critical condition.
A school volunteer who was nearby described hearing an unusually loud noise before seeing the crane slide, pause briefly, and then flip onto the train below. She rushed to the scene and helped treat survivors, describing the wreckage as completely mangled.
One carriage was severely crushed, while another caught fire, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Emergency teams worked through smoke, twisted metal, and leaking oil, using heavy equipment and cutting tools to free trapped passengers.
Local residents were among the first to respond. A nearby restaurant owner said people were screaming for help as smoke filled the air. Despite being terrified, she ran toward the wreckage to assist injured passengers before emergency services arrived.
Another resident recalled seeing bodies and injured victims scattered around the site, calling it one of the most heartbreaking scenes he had ever witnessed. He helped rescue a young child who was barely breathing at the time.
The crane involved in the accident was being used to construct an overhead railway linked to a major international infrastructure project connecting Thailand with neighbouring countries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, while legal action has been initiated against the company responsible for the construction work.
Experts believe the disaster was likely caused by human error rather than natural factors, noting that there were no storms, flooding, or unusual ground vibrations at the time of the incident.
Thailand has faced repeated concerns over construction safety in recent years, with multiple deadly accidents highlighting weaknesses in safety enforcement and oversight.
As investigations continue, the community remains shaken, mourning lives lost and grappling with trauma from a tragedy that unfolded in seconds.