Officials Reveal Train Driver Passed Through Accident Site 58 Times Over 3 Years; Mechanic Only Had 14 Days Experience
A freight train collided with a bus at an Bangkok intersection on May 16, killing 8 and injuring over 30; investigators found the experienced driver had traversed the route 58 times, but the mechanic had only 14 days of employment experienc
On May 19, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 (MPB1) released updates on the investigation into the freight train collision involving Bangkok Mass Transit System (BMTS) bus line 206 at the Asok/Kamphaeng Phet 7 intersection near Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station on May 16, which resulted in 8 deaths and over 30 injuries. The incident occurred at 3:20 PM.
Interrogation of four railway experts revealed that the train driver had operated through the Asok interchange station junction 58 times between 2023-2026, accumulating over 3 years of experience. The mechanic, however, had only been employed for 14 days and was boarding this train for the second time. A supervisor from Bang Su locomotive depot confirmed the driver's extensive experience with this route. Technical management personnel corroborated these findings. Operations staff confirmed the procedures followed by the driver and crossing attendant, though specific details cannot be disclosed due to case sensitivity. Signal maintenance officers confirmed all equipment, including railway crossing gates and signaling devices, were functioning normally.
Of the 30 injured passengers, 14 have been discharged from hospitals, 2 were interviewed previously, and 9 provided statements today. Three foreign nationals remain under follow-up. Sixteen remain hospitalized, with 10 having provided additional statements and 4 in ICU unable to be interviewed. One additional patient has yet to be interviewed. Among the 8 fatalities, 6 have been identified while 2 remain under identification verification.
Investigators collected CCTV footage from 5 key locations: Asok-Dindaeng, Phetchphloen, Rama IX, Narayana, and Research Center intersections to analyze driving behavior and staff performance. Tomorrow (May 20), investigators will conduct a scene reconstruction at 3:00 PM. CCTV footage from Rama IX and Asok-Dindaeng intersections confirms the driver and mechanic remained at the locomotive during passage through both checkpoints.
