The accident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, around 230 kilometres northeast of Bangkok.

The train, travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, derailed after being struck by the crane, which was part of a nearby high-speed rail construction project.

Local police said the impact caused the train to catch fire briefly, though the blaze has since been extinguished. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Initial reports had put the death toll at 12, but authorities later revised the figure to at least 22. Officials are investigating the cause of the crane’s collapse.