Mechanic Riding with Train Driver Reveals Critical Moments Before Collision, Mistook Bus for Advertisement Banner

A mechanic riding alongside a freight train driver has recounted the moments leading up to a catastrophic collision, explaining that he initially mistook a bus blocking the tracks for an advertisement sign until they drew closer. He quickly alerted the driver and both men pulled the emergency brake.

May 18 – Investigators have released new details about the freight train No. 2126 (Laem Chabang-Bang Sue) collision with Air-conditioned Bus Route 206 at the Makkasan railway crossing beneath the Airport Rail Link station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road in Bangkok. The collision resulted in a fire, killing 8 people and injuring more than 30 others on the afternoon of May 16.

Investigators examined CCTV footage near the scene and identified two people in cab seat No. 2 before the collision: Somphon (46), the freight train driver, and Siriphumi (21), the mechanic sitting beside him.

During questioning, Siriphumi revealed to authorities that from a distance of approximately 500 meters before reaching the intersection, he saw what appeared to be a parked bus that looked like an "advertisement sign." Only when the train drew to within 300 meters did he realize it was actually an air-conditioned bus blocking the tracks. He immediately signaled the driver, and both men pulled the brakes.

The train was traveling at approximately 35-40 kilometers per hour at the time of impact. Siriphumi confirmed he did not hear any radio communication and saw no one waving a red flag to warn them.