20-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Tragedy struck on Friday night as a Chiang Mai-bound train collided with a trailer truck carrying a backhoe at a railway crossing in Chumsaeng district, resulting in the death of the train driver and injuries to five individuals.
The incident took place at the Khlong Samphrueng railway crossing in tambon Phanlan. Authorities were alerted to the accident at approximately 7:30 pm on Friday.
According to the police report, rapid train No. 109, operating on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal-Chiang Mai route, departed from the terminal in Bangkok at 2:15 pm on Friday. As the train approached the crossing in Chumsaeng district, an 18-wheel trailer truck attempted to pass through the crossing, directly in the path of the oncoming train.
Regrettably, the train driver was unable to apply the brakes in time, resulting in a collision between the train and the truck. The force of the impact caused significant damage to the locomotive and caused the truck to overturn. The backhoe being transported on the truck was thrown onto the tracks.
Tragically, the train driver, identified as Pradit Phromma, lost his life as his body was crushed by the locomotive. Four female train passengers and the trailer truck driver sustained injuries in the crash. All injured individuals were promptly transported to Chumsaeng Hospital, where they were declared to be in stable condition.
The collision had a significant impact on train services along the northern route. To mitigate the inconvenience caused to passengers, railway officials arranged for buses to transport them to their intended destinations. Normal rail services resumed at 7:15 am on Saturday.
