A collision between two passenger express trains in Sindh’s Ghotki district killed at least 36 people and injured scores more on Monday, with the death toll likely to rise as rescuers were still trying to access several mangled coaches.
According to Pakistan Railway (PR) officials, the collision occurred between the Millat Express, which was en-route from Karachi to Sargodha and Sir Syed Express, coming from Rawalpindi. The mishap occurred between Raiti and Obaro railway stations.
A spokesperson of PR added that the accident occurred after the coaches of one train, the Millat Express, derailed and fell across the opposite track, where they were hit by another train, the Sir Syed Express.
At least 30 dead had been transported to surrounding hospitals, senior district police official Umar Tufail told a local television channel.
He said he expected the toll to shoot up as there were still mangled train compartments that rescuers had not been able to access despite the passage of hours since the accident in the Ghotki district of the southern Sindh province.
The rescue train reached the site after more than six hours and officials were still trying to retrieve bodies and the injured from one of the mangled bogeys, with the effort being hampered by lack of appropriate cutters.
The Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Rangers have also reached the incident site and are taking part in the rescue efforts.
Paramilitary soldiers and rescue workers gather at the site following a collision between two trains in Ghotki, Pakistan June 7, 2021. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)/ Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said military doctors and ambulances have been dispatched from Pano Aqil and are participating in the rescue operation. Army engineers and specialist teams of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) are being airlifted from Rawalpindi to aid the efforts.
The ISPR added that two helicopters are being flown from Multan for casualty evacuations while relief goods are being prepared and will be dispatched “shortly”.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked by the ‘horrific accident’ and added that he had asked the railways minister to reach the site of the accident and ensure medical assistance to the injured and support for the families of those who lost their lives in the mishap.
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He also said he was ordering a comprehensive investigation into “railway safety faultlines”.
Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked Railway Minister to reach site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines
As a result of the accident, the railway services between Sindh and Punjab had been suspended.
The railway administration said that first the injured would be evacuated and the bogies would be removed. “Only after that, the rehabilitation process would commence.”
The chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh have expressed their condolences on the loss of precious lives.
Expressing regret over the train accident, PPP co-chairperson Asif Zardari said that the Sindh government should take concrete steps for the rescue operation whereas the federal government should pay compensation to the families of the victims.
Rescue efforts are underway and the injured are being shifted to local medical facilities.
Source:tribune.com.pk/