A train heading north from Bangkok experienced a derailment after a construction crane collapsed onto one of its carriages while passing through Ban Thanon Khot in Nakhon Ratchasima.

In a nearby incident, a car caught fire, raising concerns that up to seven people may have lost their lives.

The State Railway of Thailand reported that there were 195 passengers on board at the time of the crane accident.

The unfortunate event took place around 9 a.m. local time (1 p.m. AEDT). The crane was part of an ongoing project for a high-speed rail bridge when it toppled onto the moving train.

Authorities have indicated that some of the passengers on the train were school students.

Rescue operations are under way.

The State Railway said there would be a “thorough” investigation into how the incident occurred.