A freight train derailed in Chon Buri on September 4, causing significant disruption to rail traffic and leading to differing accounts of the incident’s specifics. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) confirmed the derailment, which blocked the railway line in both directions, but details regarding the exact location and the number of affected cars varied between the SRT’s official statement and a police report.
Incident Overview and Official Account
According to the State Railway of Thailand, the incident occurred at approximately 1:24 PM within the Chon Buri station rail yard. Freight train number 845, en route from ICD Lat Krabang to Laem Chabang Port, reportedly came off the rails at a switch. The derailment involved six flatcars, resulting in the complete blockage of the rail line for all traffic. The SRT indicated that four trains were directly impacted by the disruption.
Affected Train Services
- Train No. 552: Traveling from Ubon Ratchathani to Laem Chabang, this train was held at Phan Thong station.
- Train No. 554: This service, originating from Bua Yai Junction and bound for Map Ta Phut, was waiting to enter the Chon Buri station.
- Train No. 847: Another freight train from ICD Lat Krabang to Laem Chabang, it was stopped at Don Sinonth station.
- Train No. 284: This was the sole passenger service affected, running from Chuk Samet to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong. Although it departed Pattaya on schedule, the SRT was making arrangements to transfer its passengers to alternative transport from Si Racha station.
Crucially, the SRT statement reported no injuries or fatalities resulting from the derailment.
Conflicting Details Emerge
A separate account, based on information from Mueang Chon Buri police and reported by Amarin TV, presented a different narrative of the event. Police were reportedly notified of the derailment at 3:00 PM on the same day, over an hour and a half after the SRT’s stated time of the incident. This police-sourced report placed the derailment near a railway level-crossing barrier in the Nong Khang Khok subdistrict of Mueang district, rather than within the confines of the station yard.
Furthermore, the police account indicated a lesser degree of damage, stating that three freight cars had overturned, as opposed to the six flatcars mentioned in the SRT’s statement. While the police report did not specify the train number involved, it corroborated the SRT’s confirmation that no individuals were harmed.
Recovery Efforts and Route Significance
Railway staff were reportedly engaged in clearing the site and working towards reopening the affected line. However, neither the SRT’s official statement nor the police-sourced report provided an estimated time for the resumption of normal rail operations. The affected route is a vital artery for container traffic, connecting the inland logistics hub at Lat Krabang with Laem Chabang Port, which serves as Thailand’s primary deep-sea port. The disruption therefore has implications for supply chains and logistics operating through this critical corridor.
Travel Advisory
For individuals planning travel in the Chon Buri region that might be affected by the rail line closure, it is advisable to check directly with the State Railway of Thailand for the latest updates and potential travel advisories before commencing their journey. The differing accounts highlight the importance of verifying information from official sources during operational disruptions.
