Two railway employees died after a big rig truck pulled onto the rails ahead of their passenger train last night.
Engineer Wutthichai Luangaram and mechanic Jennarong Chuenchoy were en route from Nong Khai province to Bangkok when the 18-wheeler collided with the train in Udon Thani province at an unmarked crossing.
All 88 passengers were safe, according to Capt. Narasak Nantabutr of Udon Thani police.
Surachai Wongsuk, the 36-year-old truck driver, also survived. He told the police that he was hauling tapioca when he reached the crossing, which had no barrier nor light signal, so he proceeded across just as the train was approaching.
It’s the latest episode of transportation calamity in a country plagued by frequent mishaps and already soul-searching over pedestrian deaths in Bangkok.
Nirut Maneepan, state railway governor, ordered the cause of the incident investigated.
Narasak said the police have yet to charge Surachai with reckless driving since more information is needed.
