KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — No Malaysians were involved in a deadly incident in north-eastern Thailand today, when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, killing at least 31 people.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the incident occurred at 9.45am local time in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 230km north-east of Bangkok, leaving at least 64 people injured and three others reported missing.
The train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province.
“All those injured have been identified as Thai citizens, while the identities of those who died have yet to be fully verified. No foreigners have so far been recorded.
“Based on available information, as of 5.20pm local time, no Malaysians have been affected by the incident,” he told Bernama when contacted tonight.
Media reports said the train was carrying approximately 195 passengers and staff.
Meanwhile, Thai Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The construction formed part of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima segment of a transnational high-speed rail project linking Bangkok with Kunming in south-west China.
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the contractor responsible for the segment's construction, said it would provide compensation and medical treatment to those affected by the incident.
