UPDATE 3 - 30 dead, 60 injured as crane collapses onto train in Thailand

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, PUNISHMENT; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Islamuddin Sajid and Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least 30 people were killed and some 60 others injured on Wednesday after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, according to the Bangkok Post.

The accident occurred in the Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the Special Express Train No. 21, traveling from capital Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, was passing through the area. 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.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he had ordered an investigation into the cause of the crane collapse.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged strict legal action after the incident, reported the Thai News Agency.

China offered condolences to Thailand over the deadly train incident in Nakhon Ratchasima, according to the Beijing-based daily Global Times.

When asked about the incident that occurred on the rail project that will connect China to Thailand, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing attaches great importance to the safety of projects and personnel, and they are currently looking into the details.

She added that a Thai company was working on the construction of the affected part of the project, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation.