Train driver charged after deadly crash in Thailand

A train driver has been charged with ‌negligence after a freight ‌train collided with a bus at a rail crossing in Bangkok, ​killing eight people and injuring 32.

"The train driver has been charged with ​negligence causing death, as evidence clearly indicates ‌reckless conduct leading to fatalities," said Urumporn Koondejsumrit, head of the Makkasan ​Police Station.

He said the bus driver would also be charged, but was continuing to receive medical treatment and ​could not be questioned.

Investigators ⁠in Thailand are examining whether additional charges may be brought, he said.

Firefighters and rescue crews were deployed close to ‌the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan station on Saturday.

The freight ‌train struck a bus that had stopped on the tracks, sparking a ‌fire that engulfed it and nearby vehicles.

Preliminary reports showed the bus had been stopped on the tracks at a red light, preventing crossing barriers from closing, deputy transport minister ​Siripong Angkasakulkiat told reporters.

The train, which was transporting containers, ⁠was unable to stop in time ⁠to avoid the crash, he added.

Rescue teams ​worked to pull injured victims from the wreckage as fire crews ⁠battled the blaze, officials said.

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One train commuter told the Reuters news agency they had feared there would be a collision, ​as vehicles kept passing through the crossing despite red lights.

"It should not have happened. I want all drivers to understand traffic laws properly," said Thanphisit Nawatkonoangkoon, ⁠a 20-year-old rail passenger.

Thailand's roads ​rank among the world's deadliest, according to the ​World Health Organisation, due to poor enforcement of safety standards.

(c) Sky News 2026: Train driver charged after deadly crash in Thailand