Authorities pledge thorough investigation on Bangkok train-bus collision

Thai authorities have pledged thorough investigation into the cause of the deadly train-bus collision in Bangkok, which incurred eight deaths and 32 injuries.

At 15:40 on Saturday, a train traveling from Chachoengsao Province to Bang Sue in Bangkok collided with a bus at a railway crossing in the center of Bangkok, triggering a fire accompanied by popping sounds. 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.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the site of the accident on Saturday night and urged thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

"Nobody wants this kind of accident to happen. This could have been mainly due to human ignorance, and we need to address this," said Anutin.

Officials are waiting for more details from the train's black box.

"We have to investigate various factors -- whether it be the distance, speed, or timing of the collision. We have to look at these three factors and see whether there were proper warnings in place," said Kitrat Phanphet, Thailand's National Police Chief.

Rescue teams rushed to the site immediately after the collision to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.

"I have never seen such a horrific accident where a train crashed into a public bus and burst into flames like this. There has been great loss. I feel so bad for the lives lost because this should not have happened," said Weerapong Nonkratok, a rescuer among the first responders.

The open flames have been completely extinguished, and all the injured have been sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities pledge thorough investigation on Bangkok train-bus collision

China firmly supports Cuba in upholding its national sovereignty and security, and urges the United States to stop coercion and pressuring of any form against Cuba, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on social media platform X on Monday that "the threats of military aggression against Cuba by the world's most powerful country are well known. Such threats already constitute an international crime."

He said Cuba "does not represent a threat, nor does it have aggressive plans or intentions against any country," adding that this is well known by the U.S. government, especially by its defense and national security agencies.

Diaz-Canel said Cuba is already suffering a "multidimensional aggression" by the United States and has the "absolute and legitimate right" to defend itself from any military action.

"China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law, and firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and security. China urges the United States to immediately end its blockade and any form of coercion and pressure against Cuba, and to stop violating the rights to subsistence and development of the Cuban people," said Guo at a regular press conference.

China firmly supports Cuba in defending national sovereignty, security