At least 28 people have been confirmed dead and 64 others injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in north-eastern Thailand, prompting swift rescue efforts and a high-level government investigation aimed at preventing future tragedies.

The accident occurred at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT) as the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. Officials said the falling crane struck the train with force, derailing it and crushing several carriages. One carriage caught fire following the impact, intensifying the emergency response.

According to official records, approximately 195 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. Emergency services responded rapidly, with rescuers later confirming that all passengers had been fully evacuated. Many of the injured were transported to hospitals across the region for treatment, with medical teams continuing to monitor those in critical condition.

Among the injured are a one-year-old child and an 85-year-old elderly passenger. Authorities said eight of the wounded remain in severe condition, while others are receiving ongoing care and are reported to be stable.

The crane involved in the incident was being used in the construction of an overhead railway, part of a China-backed infrastructure project designed to link Bangkok with neighbouring Laos. Laos is already connected to south-western China through a Chinese-built high-speed rail line, making the project a key element of regional transport integration.

One survivor, train staff member Thirasak Wongsoongnern, told local media that passengers were violently thrown into the air when the crane collapsed onto the train, describing moments of panic before rescue teams arrived.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed deep concern over the incident and vowed accountability. He ordered an immediate investigation and stressed that those responsible would be held to account.

“Accidents like this can only happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials,” Anutin said, adding that safety failures would not be tolerated.

The tragedy has renewed attention on construction safety in Thailand, where deadly accidents have occurred in the past, often linked to weak enforcement of safety standards. Authorities say the latest investigation will not only determine responsibility but also strengthen oversight to ensure safer construction practices going forward.

President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tensions with Iran following a dramatic social media post that appeared to signal growing confidence within the White House that Iran’s leadership may be facing a moment of profound vulnerability.

In a characteristically all-caps message posted on Tuesday, Mr Trump openly encouraged Iranian protesters to intensify their pressure on state institutions, urging them to document those he described as their “killers and abusers”. The language, unusually direct even by the president’s standards, suggested a belief that the Iranian regime could be approaching a breaking point.

Most striking was a short but forceful message embedded in the post: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” The phrase has been widely interpreted in Washington and beyond as the clearest indication so far that Mr Trump may be considering some form of direct intervention, potentially marking a decisive shift in US policy toward Iran.

Senior administration officials are expected to meet at the White House later today to examine a range of possible responses, including political, economic and strategic options. While no formal decision has been announced, the meeting underscores the seriousness with which the president’s comments are being treated.

Only days earlier, Mr Trump had hinted at a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues, saying Iran had made what he described as an offer to engage in talks. That suggestion briefly raised hopes of de-escalation after weeks of unrest and violence inside Iran.

However, the president’s latest remarks suggest that diplomacy has, at least for now, been placed on hold. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said he had cancelled all planned meetings with Iranian officials, citing what he called the “senseless killing of protesters”.

“All meetings with Iranian officials are cancelled until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS,” he wrote, again using capital letters to emphasise his position.

Protests were held across Minneapolis on Wednesday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, an incident that has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal officers.

The woman, identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was shot at approximately 10:25 local time (16:25 GMT) during an ICE operation in the city. Authorities said the incident occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, which has seen an increase in federal operations in recent weeks.

In a statement posted on X, US Vice-President JD Vance described the death as tragic while placing responsibility on the victim’s actions. “You can accept that this woman’s death is a tragedy while acknowledging it’s a tragedy of her own making,” Vance wrote. He added that individuals should not “illegally interfere in federal law enforcement operations” or attempt to endanger officers, saying, “It’s really that simple.”

The shooting has drawn widespread public reaction, with demonstrators gathering to demand transparency, accountability, and a reassessment of enforcement tactics. Protesters called for a full and open investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death, while also urging political leaders to address community concerns over the impact of aggressive immigration policies.

The incident comes against the backdrop of significant policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration. In November, Trump ended a long-standing protection programme for Somali residents living in Minnesota, a state that is home to the largest population of Somali immigrants in the United States. The move heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, many of whom have lived in the state for decades and are deeply integrated into its social and economic life.

Weeks after ending the programme, Trump made comments indicating he did not want Somali immigrants in the US, saying they should “go back to where they came from” and describing their country as “no good for a reason.” Those remarks drew strong criticism from civil rights groups and community leaders, who warned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and contribute to fear among minority communities.

Despite the anger and grief sparked by the shooting, local leaders and community organisers have emphasised peaceful protest and constructive dialogue. Many demonstrators said their goal is not only justice for Renee Nicole Good, but also meaningful engagement with authorities to ensure clearer rules of engagement, better communication, and safer outcomes during law enforcement operations.

As investigations continue, Minnesota officials have reiterated their commitment to cooperation with federal authorities while also prioritising public safety and community trust.