Over 30 dead, many injured in ten-car train derailment.
Train Derails in Southern Pakistan, Leaving 30 Dead and Dozens Injured
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in southern Pakistan, as a train bound for Rawalpindi derailed, resulting in the loss of 30 lives and leaving over 90 individuals injured. The rescue operations were successfully completed by early evening, according to officials.
The accident took place near the town of Nawabshah, where ten cars of the train derailed and some overturned. Many passengers were trapped as a result, as reported by senior railway officer Mahmoodur Rehman Lakho.
Local television coverage showed the heroic efforts of rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to extract women, children, and elderly passengers from the damaged and overturned cars. The injured, some of whom were lying on the ground crying for help, received assistance from compassionate locals who provided water and food. Shocking images captured by AP photographers depicted the derailed train cars sprawled across or near the tracks.
Rescue Operation Complete, but Tragedy Strikes
Senior police officer Abid Baloch, present at the scene of the accident, confirmed that the rescue operation had been successfully concluded. Dozens of injured individuals had been brought to safety, and the last flipped car had been cleared. Unfortunately, women and children were among the dead and injured.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed his grief over the loss of life during a political gathering in Punjab. He offered prayers for the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured, saying, “We all pray, may Allah grant a place in heaven to those who passed away and I wish quick recovery for the injured.”
Lakho, who is responsible for the railways in the accident area, stated that the injured passengers had been taken to the nearby People’s Hospital in Nawabshah. He revealed that the ill-fated Hazara Express was en route from Karachi to Rawalpindi when ten cars derailed near the Sarhari railway station off Nawabshah.
Ihtesham Ali, who tragically lost family members, was desperately searching for them amidst the chaotic situation. He shared, “Seven members of my family and 22 from my neighborhood were missing, and so far we found only four of them. The rest are still missing.”
Efforts to Restore Normalcy
Mohsin Sayal, another senior railway officer, informed that train traffic had been suspended on the main railway line as repair trains were dispatched to the scene. He assured passengers that alternative travel arrangements and medical care would be provided.
All trains in both directions were held at the nearest stations until the tracks could be cleared, resulting in delays for all departures. Frustrated passengers at Karachi station voiced their concerns about the constantly changing departure times, expressing their dissatisfaction with the poor railway system.
Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafiq speculated that the crash could be attributed to a mechanical fault or sabotage. He confirmed that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Military and paramilitary troops, along with rescue workers, promptly arrived at the scene to assist in rescuing the trapped passengers. The most seriously injured individuals were transported to distant hospitals via military helicopters for better treatment.
Unfortunately, train crashes are not uncommon in Pakistan, often occurring due to poorly maintained railway tracks and outdated communication and signal systems. Safety standards in the country are also inadequate.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post At Least 30 Dead After Ten-Car Train Derailment, Scores More Injured appeared first on The Western Journal.
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