According to local press and TV reports there has been an overnight train derailment near Hua Hin Thailand. The Trang to Bangkok sleeper is believed to have left the rails in the region of the popular Gulf coast holiday resort.
Early reports suggest upwards of 100 casualties with some sources reporting three deaths. Clearly this is a breaking news story and I will add to this post as and when more information becomes available.
Thailand Railways the state owned rail travel provider operate a meter gauge single track system, with frequent passing places.
Update: 0850 05/10/09:The Nation now reporting 7 dead in the accident in which it states train No 84 derailed at Khao Tao station which is just South of Hua Hin.
Update: 0915 05/10/09: Thai TV Channel 7-pictures from scene with many wrecked coaches (states 10) rescue workers present. Injured taken to Pranburi hospital : Telephone 032 621 757. Looks like several foreign passengers on the train-walking around wreckage.
Update: 1715 05/10/09: Death toll now reported to be 10. It is thought no foreigners were killed but several are believed to be injured. Initial investigations suggest switching error. Thai PM visits victims. No trains on Southern Line for at least 1 or 2 days.
Update 0900 06/10/09: Detailed report and maps in this mornings Bangkok Post. More detail on likely cause- now put down as driver error/signalling.
If you enjoyed this post why not subscribe to my RSS feed
2 comments:
I hope there are no more deaths from this accident. It's always sad to hear of a thing like this.
Mike this is terrible news and lets hope the death toll gets no higher. Am I right in saying that the accident rate on Thai railways is very very low. Thailand has had a relatively bad news free run this year and I pray that this is one sad and isolated incident. Keep the updates going.
Post a Comment