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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Ryan Fahey

Backpacker, 45, dies after horror fall from moving train at beauty spot in Thailand

An Irish tourist has died after falling from a moving train in Thailand, according to local reports.

Patrick Ward, 45, who arrived in the south-east Asian country on a tourist visa on Boxing Day, was travelling with a tour group on a train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburito.

He fell from the train as it slowed down at a picturesque spot along the route.

Unconfirmed local media reports say Ward opened the train door to take a selfie but slipped on the steps and fell to his death.

He is believed to have fallen seven or eight metres from the carriage down a slope.

He may have fallen while moving between carriages (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Ward was an Irish citizen who was born in New Zealand.

Sai Yok District Police Major Kiatisak Kerdchok said Ward may have fallen as he walked between two carriages.

At present, it's unknown whether he was looking at the view or taking photographs at the time of the fall.

Kiatisak added that police were alerted quickly and emergency responders were sent to help him but he couldn't be saved.

The Irish citizen, who was born in New Zealand, boarded the train from the River Kwai station in Kanchanaburi.

The province is known for its stunning natural beauty and beautiful locations, including the Krasae Caves.

The bridge from World War II was built by prisoners of war as a railway along the cliffs along the River Kwai (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Krasae Cave Railway Station is a popular viewpoint for the tracks, which are collectively known as the Death Railway due to it being the most trepidous part of the route.

The cave itself was used to house prisoners of war during the construction of the Thai-Myanmar Railway.

The railway was made famous by 1957 WWII film the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Authorities say Ward entered Thailand on a tourist visa on Boxing Day.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror : "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance."

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