Eight people were killed when a freight train struck a pickup truck crossing the tracks in an eastern province of Thailand early Friday morning, authorities said.
The accident at 2:20 am also injured four people in the Muang district of Chachoengsao province, according to the State Railway of Thailand.
The 54-year-old driver, Wichai Yulek, told authorities he saw the approaching train and heard a warning horn. He slowed, but passengers in the vehicle urged him to keep going. When he realized the truck was headed for a collision, he could not stop in time, the railway agency said.
The deceased include an 18 year old, two people in their 20s and five people over 55, while the injured victims included four men in their 20s, the railway said.
As they approached the railway, Wichai Yulek, the pickup truck driver, spotted the oncoming train and brought the vehicle to a halt. Despite his caution, one of the passengers insisted they could cross the railway in time, encouraging him to proceed. Tragically, their attempt to cross the tracks failed, and the train collided with the back of the pickup, where most of the passengers were seated.
However, a contrasting account reported by Channel 8 suggested that the driver might not have seen the approaching train due to poor visibility caused by the dark accident spot and the elevated position of the railway, which created a blind spot for motorists. Disturbing images shared by news agencies indicated the absence of a barrier gate or warning light at the location to alert motorists about the oncoming train.
Suraphat Prasop, a 20-year-old passenger who suffered injuries, vividly recalled the terrifying moment. Many of his colleagues were asleep when the incident occurred, but he quickly realized the imminent danger of the approaching train. Acting swiftly, Suraphat made a brave decision to jump out of the vehicle to save his life. He urged his fellow passengers to do the same.
