Eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a passenger bus at a level crossing near Makkasan Airport Rail Link station in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon.
Makkasan police have so far charged only the freight train driver, while investigators continue gathering evidence to determine whether others should also face legal action.
Lapit Thongboon, 56, the driver of Laem Chabang-Bang Sue freight train No 2126, was charged with negligence causing death and serious injury after being questioned overnight.
Police said additional charges, including possible action against others involved in the incident, would be considered after investigators finish gathering evidence and interviewing more witnesses.
The crash took place at a level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road in Huai Khwang district at around 3:41pm. The freight train struck the bus, which had stopped on the railway tracks while caught in a line of traffic at a traffic light.
Police at Makkasan station were alerted through the 199 emergency hotline shortly after the incident. Firefighters and rescue teams were sent to the scene after reports that the air-conditioned bus, which operates between Kasetsart University and Mega Bangna, had caught fire.
Early reports said the collision also involved a motorcycle, with the impact sparking a blaze that quickly spread through the bus.
Flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes, while explosions were heard intermittently as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. Rescue workers later found the bodies of eight passengers inside the bus.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the collision occurred because the crossing barriers could not be lowered while vehicles were stopped on the tracks. He said the train crashed into the bus and dragged it for about 50 metres before the vehicle caught fire.
Mr Chadchart added that vehicles are legally prohibited from stopping on level crossings and within a five-metre perimeter around them.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the scene late on Saturday night and questioned why railway staff had not warned the train driver about the traffic blockage at the crossing. He also noted that the section of road is regularly affected by heavy congestion.
Witnesses told reporters that the rail crossing barrier appeared to have been malfunctioning before the crash. Video shared online of the moment of impact also appeared to show the barrier stuck in position.
Authorities are examining radio communication records between the barrier operator and the train driver, following reports that the driver did not respond after being informed that vehicles were stuck on the tracks.
As the bus was dragged along after impact, it struck several cars and motorcycles nearby, some of which also caught fire.
Police said 32 people travelling in cars and on motorcycles were injured in the collision. Emergency workers provided first aid at the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
The bodies of the eight victims were taken to Police General Hospital shortly after 7pm for identification and to allow authorities to notify their relatives.
The wreckage was cleared and the train was moved away from the crossing late on Saturday night, allowing the road and railway line to reopen. Flowers were later placed at the scene in mourning for the victims.
