Transport Ministry Orders State Railway and Bangkok Mass Transit to Expedite Investigation into Train-Bus Collision; Full Compensation for Victims
A freight train struck a Bangkok bus at a railway crossing, killing 8 people and injuring 32 others; the government has ordered a full investigation and promised compensation of up to 1.5 million baht for deceased victims.
The Transport Ministry has instructed the State Railway of Thailand and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to urgently investigate the circumstances of a freight train collision with BMTA Line 206 bus at the Makkasan railway crossing, which left 32 injured and 8 dead. Transport Minister Siripong Angskul Kitti stated that the Prime Minister has directed all agencies to provide maximum care for the injured, expedite victim identification, and rapidly return bodies to families. Medical teams and hospitals treating the injured have been ordered to provide full care to prevent further losses, while compensation efforts for affected families are to proceed with urgency and fairness.
Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakij and Transport Ministry officials have instructed relevant agencies to provide hospital assistance and comprehensive support for victims' families until the situation is fully resolved. A detailed investigation by the Transport Ministry, SRT, BMTA, and related agencies is underway to determine the cause and implement preventive safety measures. Deputy Transport Minister Anan Photnim and BMTA Director Kittikan Jom Duang Charuworpalkul visited the scene to oversee immediate response efforts in coordination with rescue teams, hospitals, and police.
Stranded passengers were safely transferred at Hua Lamphong Station. BMTA has coordinated with disaster relief agencies and police to compile complete victim information. Initial compensation frames have been established: 1,500,000 baht per deceased, initial assistance of 80,000 baht per injured person up to a maximum compensation of 500,000 baht. BMTA is urgently tracking victim identification and contacting families to expedite compensation payments. The Transport Ministry reaffirmed that public transport safety is paramount and announced plans to enhance and strengthen safety policies and monitoring to prevent similar tragedies.
