An automatic train barrier malfunctioned injuring motorists who were struck by an oncoming train.

Sunisa Imnam, 20, and her pillion passenger waited for the crossing barrier to be lifted before driving across the tracks in Chonburi, southern Thailand, on May 9.

They rode across the railway - only to be hit by a second oncoming train that dragged them 50 feet.

Sunisa was reported to have broken both legs and suffered a serious injury that 'caused her intestines to spill out'. She was rushed to a hospital in critical condition while her male passenger survived with minor wounds.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has apologised over the incident and vowed to investigate the cause.

Veerith Amrapal, governor of the SRT, said: 'I express my deepest sympathies for the incident. I assure the public that the SRT will thoroughly investigate the facts, and fully take care of the injured victims.

‘Additionally, this afternoon (May 11), I have assigned officers to visit them at Chonburi Hospital to closely monitor their condition.'

Sunisa's furious older brother, Kittiphong Phongpinyo, 32, blamed railway crossing staff, whom he claimed refused to take responsibility.

He said: 'At the time of the incident, there were two trains. The first passed normally, and once it had cleared the tracks, the barrier was lifted. My sister thought it was safe so she began to cross on her motorcycle, just as the second train arrived.

'My sister was left critically injured. I've tried calling the staff, but no one has taken responsibility. Her condition is now 50/50. I want the railway company or the staff to face me and take accountability.'

Another motorist, Chit Plianmek, 55, said he was also injured by the train barrier error.

He said: 'I was on my way to work and I was waiting next to the injured woman at the crossing. When the first train passed, the barrier was lifted all the way up. She went ahead of me, but I saw the second train approaching so I managed to brake in time.

'I was lucky I was able to stop, but the woman in front was struck by the train and dragged more than 15 metres. A boy riding with her was also injured.

'The accident would not have happened had the barrier been working properly. I also suffered an injury on my elbow, but there has been no response from the staff.'

The SRT said it was gathering data - including CCTV footage, alert system records, and train operator information - at the crossing to conduct a detailed investigation.