Train driver 'had drugs in his system' when he crashed into bus killing eight on level crossing in Bangkok

A train driver allegedly had drugs in his system when he crashed into a bus, killing at least eight people on a level crossing in Thailand.

Sayomporn Sornkoon, 46, was behind the controls of the freight train when it ploughed into a bus and other vehicles at the Makkasan station in Bangkok on May 16.

Bodycam footage shows Sayomporn emerging from the train as fire crews battled the burning wreckage of the bus and police secured the area.

Police chief Porumporn Koondejsumrit said both Sayomporn and the on-duty crossing guard, Uthen Jomkhiri, 57, have been arrested.

He added: 'The train driver has been charged with negligence causing death, as evidence clearly indicates reckless conduct leading ⁠to fatalities.'

Phichet Khunathamrak, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, said drug tests conducted on the train operator showed positive results in urine screening. He added that Sayomporn lacked an official operating licence from the government department.

Further laboratory analysis is underway, along with ongoing legal proceedings, the transport chief said.

A spokesman for the Department of Rail Transport said it has 'strict drug and alcohol tests' on all train operators and ground staff under a 'zero-tolerance' policy.

Authorities said the crash occurred on the rail line intersecting busy Asok-Din Daeng Road at exactly 3:36 pm local time.

The barrier, which is normally lowered to prevent vehicles from being on the tracks as trains approach, was still raised. Footage of the crash showed the impact, with passengers being hurled through glass windows. Several perished in the flames.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from burning wreckage as traffic was brought to a standstill.

CCTV cameras overlooking the crossing also captured the collision. A car and a large blue public transport bus were engulfed in flames as motorists scrambled to pull a second car away from danger.

Several motorcycles were scattered across the ground.

Paramedics at the scene said at least eight people were killed and 32 others injured.

Officers said the bus driver would also be charged, but he remained under medical treatment and was unable to be questioned.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat and BMTA director Kittikan Chomduang Jaruworapolkul attended the scene to oversee the response.

The Makkasan station is where thousands of tourists take a monorail every day on the Airport Rail Link. However, the level crossing below, which is a separate overland train line, has become notorious for heavy traffic, with cars often getting stuck on the rail lines as the barrier lowers and trains approach.

Thailand has one of the world's worst road safety records. Ministers have set the goal of reducing fatalities from 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people to 12 per 100,000 people by the year 2027.