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Freight train and bus crash kills at least eight in Bangkok as a packed vehicle gets swallowed by fire
The bus was stuck. Heavy traffic had frozen it right on the tracks. The crossing barriers could not come down. Then the freight train came. It could not stop in time. What followed was a collision, a fireball, and a scene of absolute horror in the center of Bangkok.
At least eight people are dead. Dozens more are injured. The crash happened near Makkasan train station on Saturday afternoon. The bus erupted in flames on impact. Several nearby vehicles were also hit. Firefighters and rescue crews rushed to the scene. They pulled victims from the wreckage while working to contain the blaze.
Freight train and bus crash kills at least eight in Bangkok as investigators piece together how it happened
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said initial reports suggest the bus stopped on the tracks because of gridlocked traffic. The barriers meant to block the crossing never had a chance to lower. The train was carrying containers. It did not have time to brake. The full cause is still under investigation.
The fire has been brought under control. Crews are now cooling the area, venting gas, and continuing to search for victims. The death toll could still rise. The wreckage is still being picked apart. Bangkok is left reeling from a crash that should never have happened.
