The drama unfolded a short distance from Khao Hua Khwai Train Station. The truck rammed the latter two carriages and sent the whole train off the tracks. Local police major Kittipong Julasak later told reporters there were around 40 passengers and crew aboard the 447.
Major Julasak continued by saying seven of these sustained minor injuries in the collision which had killed the truck driver. He noted that the injured were mostly State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employees who had been travelling in the carriages the truck hit.
Railway workers spent most of this morning trying to right the derailed train and clear the line so that other trains could pass. An SRT spokesperson noted that at least four trains had been delayed by the accident and ensuing cleanup operation.
Thankfully rail accidents are not an everyday occurrence in Thailand and the bulk of travellers are able to sit back and enjoy their journeys. 12GO ASIA provides a reservations service allowing you to pre-book your seat or sleeping berth on trains in Thailand. The image of the derailed train was supplied by Facebook.
Truck driver rams and derails southern Thai local train
News in Asia
A truck driver who thought he could get across a level crossing in southern Thailand this morning failed miserably and managed to derail a six-car train. Pongpol Sae Lim drove his truck through the safety barrier at 06:20 as Train 447 between Suratthani and Sungai Kolok was passing through.