Truck driver Pongphon sae Lim was killed instantly and eight others injured, including a two-year-old boy. A source said the eight people sustained only minor injuries.

Somchai Thongmak, a railway official, said the train left Surat Thani Station at 6.30am and was about to pass a crossing in Phun Phin district when the garbage truck crashed into it.

“We suspect that the truck driver might have fallen asleep behind the wheel,” Somchai said.

After the accident, officials rushed to clear the derailed train away from the tracks so normal |services could resume. However, efforts were interrupted when a crane used in the operation hit a high-voltage electrical cable, causing a fire.

Local utility workers then shut down the power before the operation to clear the wreckage could recommence.

Due to the disruption of train services, the State Railway of Thailand organised bus services for affected passengers.