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.

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.

The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump is discussing “a range of options” regarding the possible acquisition of Greenland, including the potential use of military means, describing the Arctic territory as a key national security interest for the United States.

In a statement the White House said acquiring Greenland — a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, which is also a Nato ally — was considered a “national security priority” by the administration. Officials emphasised that discussions were ongoing and framed within the broader context of US strategic and security planning in the Arctic.

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” the White House said on Tuesday.

The comments came just hours after several European leaders issued a joint statement expressing strong support for Denmark, as Copenhagen continues to firmly reject Washington’s interest in taking control of the island. Denmark has repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that any future decisions concerning the territory rest with the Greenlandic people.

President Trump renewed his interest in Greenland over the weekend, reiterating his view that the US “needs” the island for security reasons, citing its strategic location in the Arctic and growing geopolitical competition in the region. His remarks prompted a sharp response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warned that any attack by the US on Danish territory would effectively mark the end of Nato as it is currently known.

Despite the strong rhetoric, analysts say the renewed focus on Greenland reflects broader global attention on the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and increasing access to natural resources. The region has become an area of rising strategic importance for Nato members, including the US and Denmark, as well as for Russia and China.