At least 22 people were killed and dozens injured in Thailand when a crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province. In a separate incident, Kazem Hamad, an exiled gang leader linked to ongoing tobacco wars in Victoria, Australia, was arrested in Iraq. Both events underscore significant concerns regarding safety and organized crime on an international scale.

Crane Collapse in Thailand

On Wednesday morning, a crane fell onto a passenger train, derailing it and causing significant casualties. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time at a construction site for a high-speed rail project funded by China. Eyewitness Mitr Intrpanya described hearing a loud noise followed by explosions, and upon investigation, discovered the crane had struck the train, severely damaging one of its carriages. District police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong confirmed that 22 fatalities have been reported, with approximately 80 others injured, some critically. Rescue operations were temporarily halted due to concerns about chemical leakage at the site. The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani with 195 passengers onboard. The transport minister has ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident, highlighting ongoing issues with safety regulations in Thailand's industrial sector.

Arrest of Kazem Hamad in Iraq

In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, Kazem Hamad, an alleged drug trafficker and exiled underworld boss, was arrested in Iraq. The arrest was made at the request of Australian law enforcement, who consider Hamad a major threat to national security. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that Hamad is linked to violent turf wars over the tobacco trade in Victoria, which have involved various criminal organizations. The arrest follows increased efforts by Australian authorities to dismantle his criminal network, including international collaboration with Iraqi officials. Barrett emphasized the importance of this arrest in disrupting Hamad's alleged criminal activities in Australia, particularly concerning tobacco-related arsons and other violent incidents.

Wrap-up

Both the crane collapse in Thailand and the arrest of Kazem Hamad highlight critical issues of safety and crime that resonate globally. The tragic accident underscores the need for stricter safety regulations in construction and transportation, while the arrest illustrates ongoing international efforts to combat organized crime and its implications for public safety.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team