A devastating train crash in Bangkok has left eight people dead and dozens injured after a freight train collided with a public bus stuck on the tracks. The driver of the train has been charged with reckless driving and tested positive for drugs, authorities said. The collision occurred at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing on Saturday afternoon.
The bus had become stuck on the tracks due to heavy traffic, which prevented the crossing barriers from lowering properly. Both the bus driver and the guard responsible for lowering the barrier have also been charged. Initial reports suggest the train’s emergency braking system was only activated about 100m away from the bus, which was not enough to avoid the collision.
Train Safety in Thailand
The crash has raised concerns about train safety in Thailand, particularly at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing, which is notorious for its heavy traffic and chaotic conditions. Authorities have ordered mandatory drug and alcohol tests for all train drivers and railway staff before their shifts. The director-general of Thailand’s rail transport department, Pichet Kunadhamraks, announced the new measures in response to the crash.
The Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing is one of the busiest intersections in Bangkok, with over 100,000 road vehicles passing through every day. Experts say this is above the safety threshold for such crossings, and the risk of accidents is high. Motorcyclists often weave through safety barriers to beat traffic, adding to the danger.
The tracks were built long before the surrounding roads, and the city has grown around them, giving way to “risk normalisation”, according to Dr Amorn Phimarnmas, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand. This means that people become desensitized to the risks and take unnecessary chances, until a disaster like this occurs.
Aftermath and Reactions
The crash has sparked outrage and calls for improved safety measures at railway crossings in Thailand. The government has promised to take action to prevent such accidents in the future. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols and the need for greater investment in railway infrastructure.
The tragedy has left many in Bangkok shaken, and there are concerns that it could happen again if safety measures are not improved. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that safety is prioritized to prevent such devastating accidents.
