UPDATE - 22 dead, 55 injured as crane collapses onto train in Thailand

UPDATES AS DEATH TOLL RISES, CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least 22 people were killed and some 55 others injured on Wednesday after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, according to the state broadcaster Thai PBS.

The accident took place in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province when the Special Express Train No. 21, traveling from capital Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, was passing through the area and a large construction crane fell on top of one of its carriages.

It was carrying some 195 passengers and staff.

The crane was being used to build a high-speed rail bridge and the impact of its collapse derailed the train compartments and a fire broke out in the wreckage.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation while dozens of injured people were moved to nearby hospitals.