Police Institute Rushes to Identify Train-Bus Collision Victims, DNA Results Expected Within 1-2 Days
Forensic teams are working urgently to identify eight victims from a train-bus collision and fire at the Asoke-Dindeang railway crossing, with DNA results expected within 1-2 days after families provided samples for comparison.
Following a train-bus collision at the Asoke-Dindeang railroad crossing that resulted in a massive fire and eight deaths, the Forensic Institute at Police Hospital is urgently working to identify the victims. Most of the bodies were severely damaged by fire, making identification difficult.
At 10:00 AM on May 18, 2025, Police Major General Wirun Suphsingsiripricha, director of the Forensic Institute at Police Hospital, reported that families of seven missing persons have come forward and provided DNA samples—six Thai families and one Myanmar family. One additional family is being contacted to provide samples for comparison.
DNA results from the seven bodies are expected to be available this evening or tomorrow, after which officials will cross-reference the results with the missing persons list reported to Makkasan Police Station to confirm identities before issuing legal documents. The full process is expected to take 1-2 more days, allowing families to claim bodies for religious ceremonies by Wednesday or Thursday.
Regarding two names that were previously circulated as victims, authorities clarified these did not come from the Forensic Institute, as official identification has not yet been confirmed due to severe fire damage. They are awaiting forensic results and confirmation from investigators before releasing names.
This morning, investigators found one additional human tissue fragment, bringing the total to four fragments, which are being tested to match them with the eight known victims. Officials believe these are parts of the eight deceased, not a ninth victim, as the pieces are small—primarily arms and legs.
Identification has been complicated by fire damage to fingerprints and teeth, requiring forensic teams to rely on blood and bone samples for DNA testing and comparison with family DNA samples.
The Forensic Institute is also appealing to one remaining family that suspects a relative may have been lost in the incident to come provide DNA samples. They ask that direct relatives come forward with only a national ID card.
