BANGKOK — 16 May 2026, A freight train collided with a Route 23 air-conditioned bus near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon, sparking a major fire that killed at least eight people and injured more than 20 others, officials said.
The crash occurred at about 15:50 when a freight train travelling from Chachoengsao province to Bang Sue struck the bus, which operates on the Bang Na–Thewet route. The impact dragged the vehicle about 50 m before it burst into flames, according to preliminary reports from authorities at the scene.
Several motorcycles and cars were also caught up in secondary collisions near the crossing, with additional fires reported in the area.
Firefighters and emergency responders from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Makkasan police station and rescue foundations rushed to contain the blaze. Authorities later brought the fire under control and began recovering bodies and clearing the wreckage.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Transport Minister, who inspected the scene, said initial reports confirmed eight deaths and about 25 injuries. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) would provide assistance to those affected.
He said reports that the bus had become stranded across the railway crossing remained unconfirmed and investigators were still determining the exact cause of the crash. However, he noted the freight train was carrying a heavy load at the time of the collision.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also visited the scene to monitor the situation. Officials from Ratchathewi district told him the train was approaching from Chachoengsao en route to Bang Sue when the bus became stuck across the tracks amid heavy traffic congestion.
According to preliminary accounts, malfunctioning crossing barriers may have contributed to the crash, allowing the train to strike the bus before dragging it along the tracks and igniting the fire. Authorities stressed that the circumstances remained under investigation and final conclusions had not yet been reached.
One witness, identified only as Aun, 38, said he had stopped his Audi before the crossing when he suddenly heard two loud impacts. Moments later, his vehicle was struck on the left side by debris from the collision.
“When I turned to look, I saw the train pushing the bus away and flames erupted almost immediately,” he said, adding that the incident unfolded so quickly he believed his own car could have been swept into the crash.
Aun said he later discovered an injured person trapped beneath his vehicle with what appeared to be a broken leg. He reversed the car to help rescuers pull the victim free before the injured person was sent to hospital.
He also praised local motorcycle taxi riders who helped clear traffic and move vehicles away from the scene as the fire intensified amid fears of an explosion. Witnesses later reported hearing a loud blast from one of the burning vehicles.
Authorities have yet to formally interview all witnesses as investigators continue examining the cause of the collision.
As of 17:38, authorities were continuing to clear the wreckage and recover the deceased.
