Several cargo carriages became derailed after a freight train left Hat Yai for the Padang Besar border town in Sadao district of Songkhla this morning (Saturday).

Initial reports said that the 20-car No. 707 freight train, was arriving at Village 2, in Khlong Ngae sub-district, when it derailed following a loud explosion. 11 freight cars were thrown off the track.

The four men on board the train, including two drivers, escaped unhurt.

Railway officials and security forces rushed to the scene to investigate whether the derailment was an accident or was caused by sabotage.

A railway official said that the Hat Yai-Padang Besar train service will be suspended for several days for repairs.