Grim scenes emerge from Bangkok train crash amid traffic chaos, eight dead

Emergency personnel work at the scene of an accident on Asok-Din Daeng Road, Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday (16/5/2026). At least eight people were killed and 32 others injured after a freight train collided with a bus at a railway crossing, sparking a fire that engulfed the vehicle, according to rescue officials and a deputy transport minister. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

Firefighters and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene near Makkasan Airport Rail Link station. Officials said the fire consumed a public bus and vehicles nearby, while the accident also involved cars and motorcycles. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, said initial reports indicated that the bus had stopped on the tracks while waiting for a red light, causing the crossing barriers not to close. The container train was reportedly unable to stop in time to avoid colliding with the bus. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

“Eight people were killed and 32 injured, with the injured being treated at various hospitals. All eight victims were inside the bus,” Siripong told reporters. Video footage circulating on social media shows the train hitting the bus and dragging several other vehicles along the tracks. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

An eyewitness named Wanthong Kokpho, a motorcycle taxi driver, said the bus was stuck at a red light and unable to move, while other vehicles were also blocked. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

A dashcam recording circulating on social media captured the moment of the train colliding with the bus in Bangkok. The train, which was carrying containers, was unable to stop in time to avoid colliding with the bus, he added. (Natchaphan Kongkiattisak/via REUTERS)

In another video, smoke can be seen billowing after the train crash that sparked a deadly fire. (Tanakrit Rungrojchaiporn/via REUTERS)

Rescue teams continue to evacuate victims from the wreckage and firefighters are working to put out the flames. Authorities say the fire has been brought under control and an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)

According to the World Health Organization, roads in Thailand are among the most dangerous in the world due to weak enforcement of safety standards. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)