Two Killed, Three Injured as Train Crashes into Pickup Truck at Unauthorised Crossing

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A collision between a train and a pickup truck at an unauthorised railway crossing in Surat Thani has left two people dead and three others seriously injured.

 

The incident occurred at 18:45 on 30 March when officers from Phunphin Police Station received a report of a train striking a pickup truck between Ban Thung Pho Junction and Maluan stations in Hua Toei Subdistrict, Phunphin District. Rescue teams and medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, emergency responders found the wreckage of a Toyota pickup truck, completely destroyed by the impact. Inside, they discovered five victims, three of whom were injured and two deceased. Rescuers used hydraulic cutting tools to extract the injured individuals, who were rushed to Phunphin Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The bodies of the deceased were also recovered.

 

The collision involved Train No. 44, operating between Surat Thani and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok. Preliminary investigations indicate that the pickup truck, carrying five passengers, was crossing the tracks when the train struck it, dragging the vehicle for over 30 metres.

 

The train driver reported that the locomotive had departed Surat Thani Station at 18:25 and was approaching the crossing when the collision occurred. Despite sounding the horn to warn approaching vehicles, the pickup truck failed to clear the tracks in time. The driver also noted that although the train was not travelling at high speed, it was impossible to stop in time to avoid the collision.

Following the crash, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) issued a statement confirming that the collision occurred at an illegal crossing equipped with warning signs. The statement also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged motorists to exercise caution when crossing railway tracks, particularly at unauthorised or unmanned crossings.

 

Train No. 44 was able to resume its journey at 20:21, approximately 100 minutes behind schedule.

 

 

-- 2025-03-31