Society News

Freight train hits a bus at a Bangkok level crossing, killing eight as the bus catches fire

A freight train slammed into a public bus at a level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road near Makkasan station in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon, May 16, killing eight people. Khaosod English said the train, travelling from Chachoengsao to Bang Sue, pushed the Route 23 bus about 50 metres before it caught fire, and secondary collisions and fires hit cars and motorcycles nearby.

GMA News, carrying Reuters, said all eight dead were on the bus. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the bus had stopped on the tracks at a red light, so the barriers could not close, and the container-laden train could not stop in time. Reuters noted the WHO ranks Thailand's roads among the world's deadliest.

“When I turned to look, I saw the train pushing the bus away and flames erupted almost immediately.” — Aun, a driver at the crossing, via Khaosod English

Kenya's Citizen Digital, carrying AFP, quoted Bangkok police chief Urumporn Koondejsumrit giving eight dead and 35 injured, and said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an investigation. AFP recalled a January crane collapse onto a train that killed 32 and a 2020 train-bus crash that killed 18.

How each outlet framed it

• Khaosod English — the scene minute by minute, eyewitnesses and possible barrier failure.
• GMA News — the minister's red-light explanation and Thailand's road safety record.
• Citizen Digital — the police toll, the PM's inquiry and a string of past rail disasters.

Where the numbers differ: injured counts ranged from “more than 20” and about 25 (Khaosod) to 32 (Reuters) and 35 (AFP).

What happened next: Thai media later reported that police said the train driver tested positive for methamphetamine, and the train and bus drivers were charged.