In a devastating accident that shook the Muang district of Chachoengsao province in eastern Thailand, a freight train collided with a pickup truck while crossing railway tracks, resulting in eight fatalities and four injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m. (19:20 GMT) on a fateful Friday morning, leaving the community reeling from the loss.
According to the State Railway of Thailand, the 54-year-old pickup truck driver, Wichai Yulek, recounted the harrowing events leading up to the collision. Yulek reported that he had seen the approaching train and heard its warning horn, prompting him to slow down. However, passengers in the vehicle urged him to proceed, leading to a tragic chain of events. Despite his best efforts to stop the vehicle in time, the collision became inevitable, causing immense loss of life and injuries.
Suraphat Prasop, a 20-year-old passenger in the truck, corroborated Yulek's account, stating that he had also seen the approaching train as the vehicle approached the railway crossing. He disclosed that the train's horn had sounded three times, signaling the imminent danger. However, the driver did not halt the vehicle, ultimately culminating in the heartbreaking accident.
Among the victims were three women aged 22, 55, and 64, as well as five men aged 18, 27, 55, 60, and 62, as confirmed by the rail agency. The deceased were taken to a police hospital, where their grieving relatives prepared for the solemn religious rites ahead.
The accident occurred at an unauthorized crossing, lacking automatic barriers to prevent vehicles from crossing when trains approach. Shockingly, there are currently 693 unauthorized crossing points in use along the national rail system, the agency revealed. Despite its unsanctioned status, authorities provided a photo of the accident site, showing lights and warning signs in place.
The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of railway crossings and the need for enhanced measures to prevent such accidents in the future. Community members, as well as authorities, are calling for increased awareness campaigns, better signage, and the implementation of automatic barriers to minimize the risks posed by unauthorized crossings.
As the community mourns the loss of loved ones, the focus shifts to taking necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Calls for improved railway safety regulations and infrastructure upgrades are gaining momentum, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives and fostering a culture of vigilance around railway crossings. The accident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for collective efforts in ensuring public safety and preventing such heart-wrenching incidents from occurring again.