SRIRACHA, THAILAND – A 64-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured after being struck by a passenger train at a guarded level crossing in Sriracha.
Man critically hurt after reportedly bypassing closed barriers
The accident occurred late yesterday morning at about 10:30 a.m. on the 9-kilometre railway section toward Sattahip district in Moo 6. According to initial reports, the rider crossed the tracks even though the barriers were already closed. Emergency responders said he suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition.
Emergency response and hospital treatment
Rescue workers from Sawang Prateep Sriracha, an emergency team from the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital known locally as the “Lantam” team, police from Sriracha station and railway staff were dispatched after a call reporting a collision between a motorcycle and a train. The injured man was identified as Somrot Darachan, 64, whose overturned orange‑black Honda Click motorcycle was found beside the tracks. Rescuers treated him at the scene before transporting him for emergency care to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital in Sriracha.
Doctors describe condition as life-threatening
Hospital staff classified the patient’s condition as life‑threatening and doctors immediately began intensive treatment. No further details on the 64‑year‑old’s current condition were available. The Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital is regarded as one of the leading medical facilities in the region and has a specialised emergency department for trauma patients.
Bangkok–Chuk Samet train halted, no passenger injuries
The passenger train involved had been travelling from Bangkok to Chuk Samet in Sattahip district. After the collision, the train came to a halt on the tracks, and none of the passengers were injured. Railway staff had, according to witnesses, closed the barriers in time and additionally used hand signals to warn of the approaching train, while several vehicles stopped as required.
Witnesses report ignored warnings
According to eyewitnesses, Somrot Darachan allegedly ignored the warnings. They said he rode past the waiting vehicles on the left and pushed past the closed barrier while bystanders shouted at him to stop.
“We shouted that the train was coming, and the train’s horn sounded loudly several times, but he kept going,”
said witnesses, according to emergency responders.
Local worker raised the alarm
A local worker, Akhom Pooldonphrai, said he heard the loud impact and immediately rushed to the scene. He then quickly alerted the rescue teams. Authorities temporarily suspended train operations on the line to allow for the accident investigation, and services resumed after about two hours.
Police investigation into cause and possible fault
Police from the Sriracha station documented the site, took photographs as evidence and opened an investigation. Railway representatives were summoned to give statements on the sequence of events. Officers said legal steps would follow standard procedures, examining the precise course of the accident and any possible misconduct.
Checks on barriers, visibility and train speed
As part of the inquiry, officers planned to assess the functioning of the barrier system, visibility at the crossing and the train’s speed. The findings could indicate whether additional safety measures are needed. Investigators also aimed to determine how far human error contributed to the collision.
Level crossing accidents common in Thailand
Accidents at railway crossings were not uncommon in Thailand, according to statistics from the national railway operator, which recorded several dozen collisions between trains and vehicles each year. A large share was attributed to human error. Motorcycle riders were considered particularly at risk, as many attempted to bypass closed barriers to save time.
Experts call for upgrades and awareness campaigns
Experts had for years been calling for modernised safety systems and stronger public awareness campaigns. They argued that most accidents could be avoided if all road users followed the rules. A single moment of inattention or impatience, they warned, could have life‑threatening consequences.
Safety advice for road users at crossings
Rescue teams said the incident underlined the serious danger at level crossings and reiterated key safety recommendations. Closed barriers and warning signals should never be bypassed, and drivers should always pay attention to visual and audible instructions from railway staff. They added that keeping sufficient distance from the tracks, avoiding weaving past waiting vehicles, never underestimating a train’s speed and choosing to wait when in doubt could significantly reduce risk, with any time lost being minimal compared with the potential danger.