The crane derailed the train and crushed some of its carriages, one of which caught fire. A one-year-old and an 85-year-old are among those injured, with seven people in critical condition, according to authorities.

Officials say some 171 passengers had been onboard the train when the accident occurred at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT). The State Railway of Thailand has launched an investigation into the incident and announced that it is taking legal action against the construction company responsible for the crane. Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited said it expressed regret and it would provide compensation and relief to the families of those who died or were injured. The train had been travelling from Bangkok to the north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province when the accident occurred, carrying mostly students and workers travelling for school and work in other districts. Local outlet The Nation reported that the incident occurred while the crane was lifting a large concrete section which dropped on to the train, causing several coaches to derail.

One survivor, train staff member Thirasak Wongsoongnern, told local media that he and the other passengers were thrown into the air after the crane fell on them. An eyewitness, Maliwan Nakthon, told BBC Thai that she witnessed the moment the crane collapsed. "There were small pieces, like fragments of concrete, that started falling," she said. "After those fell, the crane slowly slid down and hit. It struck hard, and then it came down and crushed the train." "The whole incident took less than one minute," she added. (BBC)