Post by : Meena
Hassan
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has initiated both criminal and civil lawsuits against Italian-Thai Development (ITD) in the aftermath of a tragic crane collapse at the high-speed rail construction site in Si Khiew, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident, which occurred on January 14, 2026, involved a crane from the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project crashing onto a passing train, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
In swift response, the government, represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has called for a fact-finding committee to investigate safety standards at the site and ascertain the cause of the accident. This committee is tasked with delivering its report within 15 days.
Both SRT and ITD will provide financial support to those affected by the incident; families of the deceased will each receive 1.34 million THB, while all medical expenses for injured passengers will be covered until they recover fully. There is also a provision for additional claims, including those concerning property damage or lost belongings.
Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdang emphasized the necessity for both ITD and SRT to rigorously follow safety protocols for ongoing projects. Contractors must work in close coordination with station managers and cease operations when trains are passing through construction zones to avert accidents.
The SRT has already removed the stricken train carriages and is preparing to clear the damaged crane. Repairs to the railway track should be completed within seven days. To enhance future safety, SRT plans to install sensors and CCTV cameras at construction sites for better monitoring.
On the legal front, the SRT has filed a criminal complaint concerning the fatalities and a civil suit for damages incurred, which includes damage to public property and reputational harm. Further legal measures will be decided based on the investigation's outcomes.
This incident has highlighted pressing concerns regarding construction safety standards, igniting calls for more stringent enforcement and improved oversight of Thailand's high-speed rail initiatives.
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