At least 27 dead, 50 injured in train collision in Pakistan
Islamabad, Jun 7 (EFE).- At least 27 people died and another 50 were injured on Monday as two trains collided in southern Pakistan, an official source told EFE.
The accident occurred early morning in the Ghotki district of Sindh province, where the Millat Express derailed and collided with Sir Syed Express on the adjoining track, Pakistan Railways spokesman Nazia Jabeen said.
The authorities estimate that at least 15 to 20 of the around 1,000 passengers traveling in the two trains remain trapped in the wreckage, Ghotki Police Superintendent Umar Tufail told local channel Geo TV.
The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered in the rescue operation.
The army has been taking part in the rescue operations and mobilized doctors and ambulances.
A team of military engineers have also been sent to the area by helicopter to assist in the cutting open parts of the wreckage.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered an investigation into causes of the accident.
“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,” tweeted Khan.
Train accidents are not uncommon in Pakistan, whose rail network dates back to the time when it was a colony of the British Empire, and from which it gained independence in 1947.
In July last year, at least 19 people died and another 15 were injured when a bus carrying pilgrims of the Sikh minority was hit by a train in the eastern province of Punjab.
In October 2019, a total 73 people were killed in an explosion inside a train the southern part of the country, when a gas cylinder exploded while several passengers were preparing breakfast. EFE
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