Runaway Train Plows Into Bangkok Station; 6 Killed

A runaway train of six diesel-powered rail coaches, one of which had been left with the power still on by a mechanic, smashed into a Bangkok railroad station and plowed across a platform Saturday, killing up to six people, officials said.

“I was shouting and waving everyone away, but the train came in like thunder,” said railway employee Putchong Parktham. “People were screaming and shouting. I ran as fast as I could and when I turned around I saw the locomotives and white smoke rising.”

Hiran Radeesri, general manager of the State Railway of Thailand, said five people were killed and two injured by the driverless train. But police put the toll at six dead and at least four injured.

The lead self-propelled coach overturned and spewed diesel fuel after barreling into Hua Lumpong station at about 37 m.p.h., skidding to a halt 15 feet from the main entrance.

Hundreds of people were on the platform, but most fled to safety when warnings blared out over loudspeakers.

The train left behind a six-mile path of destruction after racing out from the Bang Sue yard, where the coaches were being repaired, officials said.

It passed through two stations, eight railway crossings and struck a taxi and a motorcycle. Neither driver was injured, according to official accounts.

In a television interview, Hiran said a mechanic left the engine running and the gear in forward position on the third vehicle.

When he returned, the train had “disappeared,” Hiran quoted the mechanic as saying. Hiran said the mechanic, not identified, was under investigation.

Mechanics Jumped Off

Officials said other mechanics who were aboard the train apparently jumped off as it began to accelerate toward Hua Lumpong.

Word was sent to the station that the train was coming in and loudspeaker announcements ordered everyone to clear the elevated concrete platform.

Moments later, the train crashed through a barrier at the end of the line and three of the coaches surged onto the platform, smashing an information booth, refreshment kiosk, a currency exchange stand and a big arrival-departure board.