Driver of Chiang Mai-bound train dies in collision with 18-wheeler in Nakhon Sawan
PUBLISHED : 20 Jan 2024 at 13:51
NAKHON SAWAN: The driver of a Chiang Mai-bound train was killed and five people were hurt when the train rammed into a trailer truck carrying a backhoe at a crossing in Chumsaeng district on Friday night.
The incident occurred at the Khlong Samphrueng railway crossing in tambon Phanlan, said police who were alerted about 7.30 pm on Friday.
According to police, rapid train No. 109 on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal-Chiang Mai route left the terminal in Bangkok at 2.15pm on Friday. As it approached the crossing in Chumsaeng district, the 18-wheel trailer truck was driving into the crossing and into the path of the train.
The train driver was unable to apply the brakes in time, causing the train to hit the truck. The locomotive was badly damaged and the force of the crash caused the truck to overturn. The backhoe was thrown off the truck onto the tracks.
The train driver, identified as Pradit Phromma, was killed as his body was crushed by the locomotive. Five others, including four female train passengers and the trailer truck driver, were injured. All were taken to Chumsaeng Hospital where they were declared safe.
The crash disrupted train services on the northern route. Railway officials arranged buses to transfer train passengers. Rail services resumed at 7.15am on Saturday.
The State Railway of Thailand expressed regret over the incident and ordered an investigation.
A backhoe was thrown from a trailer truck onto the railway track following a crash on Friday night in Nakhon Sawan. (Photo: Chalit Phoomruang)