BANGKOK, Jan 14 — The death toll from a crane collapse that derailed a passenger train in northeastern Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province has risen to 31, with the number of injured now standing at 67.
Xinhua reported the authorities as saying that the accident occurred this morning when the construction crane used for a high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto the train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province.
Speaking at a media briefing, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum said the State Railway of Thailand expects to take approximately seven days to clear the wreckage and restore the track to normal operation while a full investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
Earlier, Thai Deputy Prime Minister cum Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the media that he has instructed agencies to conduct a transparent, comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.
According to local reports, the main contractor for the involved railway section is Italian-Thai Development PLC, which has issued a statement on the accident, stating that the company will fully assume responsibility for compensation and medical treatment.
