Ask Onix
Fatal crash at Bangkok railway crossing
The operator of a freight train involved in a deadly collision with a public bus in Bangkok has tested positive for drugs and faces reckless driving charges, Thai authorities confirmed on Monday.
Collision details
The incident occurred at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing on Saturday afternoon when the train struck a stationary bus on the tracks. The bus erupted in flames, resulting in eight fatalities and injuries to dozens of passengers.
Early investigations indicate the bus became immobilized on the tracks due to congested traffic, which prevented the manual crossing barriers from descending properly.
Charges and investigations
In addition to the train operator, authorities have charged the bus driver and the railway crossing guard responsible for manually lowering the barriers. Police have not disclosed which substances were detected in the train driver's drug screening.
Preliminary data from the train's black box revealed the emergency braking system was activated approximately 100 meters (330 feet) from the bus-insufficient distance to prevent impact, according to Pichet Kunadhamraks, director-general of Thailand's rail transport department.
Safety concerns at high-risk crossing
The Asoke-Din Daeng crossing, located at one of Bangkok's busiest intersections, sees over 100,000 vehicles daily-far exceeding safe capacity for such crossings, stated Dr. Amorn Phimarnmas, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand.
Motorcyclists frequently bypass lowered barriers to avoid delays from passing trains, a practice Amorn attributes to "risk normalisation."
"When danger becomes routine, people assume 'it'll be fine'-until disaster strikes."
Dr. Amorn Phimarnmas, Structural Engineers Association of Thailand
Policy response
Following the crash, authorities have mandated pre-shift drug and alcohol testing for all train operators and railway personnel, Pichet announced.
The crossing's design-built before surrounding roads-has been cited as a contributing factor to recurring safety issues as urban development encroached on the rail corridor.
