BANGKOK - A train and a bus collided in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon, killing eight people, local media reported.

At around 3:40 pm, a train traveling from Chachoengsao Province to Bang Sue in Bangkok collided with a bus at a railway crossing in the Thai capital's Ratchathewi District, triggering a fire accompanied by an explosion. Several other cars and motorcycles were also involved.

The accident has caused eight deaths and 32 injuries, the Ministry of Transport of Thailand said in a statement. All the deceased were people on the bus.

It is also reported that a Chinese citizen who was slightly injured in the accident and sent to the hospital for treatment left the hospital safe and sound.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations. The open flames have been completely extinguished so far, and all the injured have been sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in an interview with Thai media that the bus had stopped at the railway crossing due to a red light, preventing the railway barrier from lowering. The freight train was too heavy to brake in time, leading to the collision.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at the scene of the accident that Thai authorities will thoroughly investigate the cause of the collision and assist the injured.