BANGKOK -- At least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured after a passenger train collided with a collapsed construction crane in northeastern Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province on Wednesday, local media reported.

The accident occurred at around 9:05 am local time when the passenger train, which was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, derailed and caught fire following the impact.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and utilized hydraulic cutting tools to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage. Injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has instructed agencies to conduct a transparent, comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.