China expressed its condolences over a deadly accident at a construction site in Thailand that killed at least 22 people, saying it is closely following developments.

According to media reports, a construction crane collapsed onto a moving train carriage in northeastern Thailand. The crane was being used to build an elevated track for a joint high-speed rail project between China and Thailand.

The Chinese government attaches high importance to the safety of the project and relevant personnel, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news briefing.

She said that, based on information available so far, the section involved in the accident was being constructed by a Thai company, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation.