Train derails on way to Chiang Mai

[JW]

The northern train heading to Chiang Mai derailed at 3am today in Phrae, causing injuries to some 30 passengers.


All train carriages fell off from the track, as the train derailed near Denchai district. Over 290 passengers were on board.

Prapas Chongsanguan, governor of the State Railway of Thailand, initially attributed the accident to the poor condition of the track. Maintenance has been planned for the sloping and curvy point where the accident happened.

Buses and vans were mobilised from Denchai, to transport affected passengers, local and foreign, to Chiang Mai. Three foreigners suffered from broken arms and 24 from minor injuries, and they were sent to the district’s hospital.

Chalermwoot Rakkhatiwong, Denchai district chief, said that all passengers have been transferred out of the scene.

The train left Bangkok at 7pm on July 16.

Train schedules are changed after the accident. Speed trains from Chiang Mai to Bangkok scheduled for today will be cancelled. Normal train from Chiang Mai will be operated as usual, but passengers in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang will have to take buses to board the train at the Uttaradit station. Affected passengers can return tickets and receive full compensation.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 10630.html

Can you believe the slope of the tracks!!

[usual suspect]

Looks to me like this section of track may need a minimum speed limit for the train to stay on the rails!
I read earlier that SRT very quickly stated in a report that poor track-maintenance was to blame.. (that kind of puts the responsibility onto the 300B/day workmen).
I wish all the passengers a safe(r) onward journey, & a speedy recovery to the injured..

[Nereus]

That section of line between Uttaradit and Den Chai runs through mountainous country. There is a different photo posted now that shows the line in better perspective.

"Derailments happen quite often," said State Railway of Thailand governor Prapat Chongsanguan.
The tracks were undergoing upgrading.

Another comedian that has missed his calling! It looks more likely that part of the "upgrading"
has been left half done.