A bus heading to a Buddhist temple collided with a train in central Thailand on Sunday, killing at least 20 people dead and injuring 30, authorities said.
The accident took place at 8:05 a.m. (0105 GMT) near the Khlong Kwaeng Klan railway station 63 km (40 miles) east of Bangkok, said Maitree Tritilanon, governor of Chachoengsao province, where the crash occurred.
A tour bus carrying some 60 factory workers on their way to a Buddhist ceremony at a temple was crossing a railway track when it was hit by a freight train headed to the capital from the east of the country.
The bus was flipped on its side and the top ripped off, with debris and metal scattered around the accident area, images from rescue workers showed. The train remained on the rails.
Governor Maitree said the crossing has an alarm but no barrier to block traffic when a train is coming.
He said the province will install speed bumps and barriers as well as cut down trees near the crossing to improve visibility.
"Let this case be a lesson, and we will make improvements at risky spots so such accidents will not take place again," Maitree said in a statement.
Thailand's roads rank among the world's deadliest, according to the World Health Organization.
There has been little improvement despite safety campaigns over the years.
The bus passengers were traveling from Samut Prakan province to a Buddhist temple in Chachoengsao for a merit-making ceremony marking the end of the Buddhist Lent.
Latest Stories
-
60 farmers in Kumasi receive training on traditional leafy vegetables
2 mins -
MP who allegedly bribed EC agents must be arrested – Mustapha Gbande
1 hour -
NPP’s Kwabena Boateng leading in Ejisu by-election
2 hours -
Dominic Obour: Beware of rented media and socio-political liars
2 hours -
Partnership launched to provide pensions for small-scale farmers
2 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Why would I bribe election officials in public? – asks Kingsley Nyarko
3 hours -
Vinicius scores twice as Real Madrid draw against Bayern in Germany
4 hours -
I’m doing well – Amerado assures fans after stage mishap
4 hours -
EC asks police to start criminal investigation into Ejisu by-election ‘white envelope’ bribery allegation
5 hours -
LPG Marketers Association kicks against NPA’s $80 per metric ton levy on LPG
6 hours -
We need a comprehensive review of Ghana’s financial regulations – Dr Alhassan Andani
6 hours -
Court dismisses injunction against NBA for approving registration of 14 new GM crops
6 hours -
Penalty for companies not filing returns increased to GH¢1k from May 1
6 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: And the winner is…
7 hours -
NPP retains Ejisu seat as Kwabena Boateng polls 55.8%: Turnout 49.1%
7 hours