Freight train derailment affects Bangkok-Nong Khai services

The derailed gravel train blocks both lines at Bua Yai junction station in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Wednesday. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Trains running between Bangkok and Nong Khai were being detoured on Wednesday after a train loaded with gravel derailed near Bua Yai junction station on Wednesday morning, blocking the line.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reported that the train was carrying gravel for use in railway construction. It derailed about 200 metres from Bua Yai junction station about 6.40am.

The train was still blocking the Bua Yai-Lam Narai-Kaeng Khoi track on Wednesday evening. Work gangs were awaiting the arrival of a crane to lift it back on the rails.

Initially SRT officials blamed the derailment on a malfunction of a railroad switch.

Many waiting passengers were stranded at Bua Yai junction station and the SRT arranged buses to take them to board their trains at a nearby level crossing.

The derailment affected express trains running between Bangkok and Nong Khai province, which were detoured along the Bua Yai-Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok route.

Affected travellers can contact the SRT's call centre at 1690.