In Bangkok, a Line 206 passenger bus was struck by a freight train on Saturday afternoon at the level crossing near Makkasan station on the Airport Rail Link. The bus was traveling on Asok-Din Daeng Road in the Huai Khwang district and, according to initial reports, became stuck in heavy traffic.
The train, which was en route from Chachoengsao to Bang Sue, struck the bus and dragged it dozens of meters. A fire broke out within a short time. A chaotic and dramatic situation ensued for travelers, bystanders, and emergency services.
Bus bursts into flames completely after collision
At 3:42 PM, Makkasan police received a report via emergency number 199 of a fire in a blue air-conditioned passenger bus. Firefighters and rescue services immediately rushed to the scene of the accident, near the Airport Rail Link.
According to initial reports, the freight train collided not only with the bus but also with a motorcycle. Shortly afterward, the bus was fully engulfed in flames. Bystanders heard intermittent explosions while firefighters tried to bring the fire under control. After the flames were extinguished, rescue workers found the bodies of eight passengers inside the bus.
According to witnesses, the barriers were not working properly.
Eyewitnesses stated that they had already seen before the collision that the barrier at the railway crossing was not functioning properly. A video shared online of the moment of the collision reportedly shows the barrier stuck.
The governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, said that the bus ended up on the tracks due to the traffic congestion and could not get off. According to him, the congestion likely also caused the level crossing barriers to malfunction. The train then collided with the bus and dragged it along for about 50 meters.
Other vehicles are also damaged.
While dragging along, the bus struck multiple cars and motorcycles. A number of these also caught fire. As a result, there were not only casualties among the bus passengers, but other road users were also injured.
Emergency services provided first aid on the street and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. At least 24 people sustained injuries. Among them were motorists, motorcyclists, and other involved parties who were on or around the busy traffic location.
Authorities are following the investigation at the scene.
The Thai Ministry of Transport, the State Railway of Thailand, and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority are closely monitoring the situation. The BMTA is responsible for the bus service. BMTA Director Kittikan Chomduang Jaruforapolkul was also present at the scene of the accident.
In addition to Governor Chadchart, Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat also came to Huai Khwang to monitor the relief efforts and further handling of the situation. The authorities have stated that new information will be shared as soon as the investigation provides more clarity.
The accident at Makkasan shows once again how vulnerable busy city traffic can be at railway crossings. The impact is significant for the bereaved and the injured. In the coming days, it should become clear exactly how the collision occurred and what safety measures are necessary.
Source: Bangkok Post
About this blogger
-
This article has been written and reviewed by the editorial team. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, opinions, and independent research. Where relevant, ChatGPT was used as a tool for writing and structuring text. We also sometimes generate photos using AI. Although the content is handled with care, it cannot be guaranteed that all information is complete, up-to-date, or error-free.
The reader is responsible for the use of the information on this website. The author accepts no liability for any damage or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.
Read the latest articles here
News from ThailandMay 16, 2026Bus and train collide in Bangkok, at least eight dead (video)
OrganizationsMay 16, 2026A relationship with a much younger Thai woman: does that work, or are you asking for trouble?
Expats and retireesMay 16, 2026Second medical opinion in Thailand: how to avoid an unnecessary operation
Expats and retireesMay 16, 2026Noise pollution in Thailand: how to really turn the Public Health Act to your advantage
Awful.
If the bus driver had wanted to keep the crossing clear when traffic came to a standstill, it would have saved the bus and casualties.
But then countless motorcycles or other means of transport would have been out of luck, because it is certain that within a second other road users would have filled the “gap” in the traffic jam at the crossing.
Gr. Arno
It is appalling that we have to read comments here from readers who do not even know the true circumstances of this tragedy.
Let us now please await the investigation and refrain from any comment. If only out of respect for the victims.
Multiple responses?
I only see one, and he simply repeats what the governor of Bangkok said: the bus came to a standstill on the level crossing.
I've experienced that myself on that little railway line along the highway near the old airfield; it's really scary when you come to a standstill like that because of a traffic jam.