51 killed as express train smashes intro derailed coaches of passenger train in Pakistan's Sindh; Army called in

Karachi, Jun 7 (PTI) An express train rammed into derailed coaches of ar train, killing up to 51 people and injuring over 100 ors in Pakistan's sourn Sindh province on Monday, forcing authorities to call in Army and paramilitary forces for rescue and relief operations in one of worst rail accidents in country in recent years.

Millat Express train from Karachi to Sargodha derailed and its coaches fell across jacent track near Dharki, a city located in Ghotki district of upper Sindh.

dely accident occurred when Sir Syed Express heed from Rawalpindi to Karachi, coming from or direction, smashed into derailed coaches of first train, a spokesperson of Pakistan Railways said.

Fifty people, including some railway officials, have lost ir lives, Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah was quoted as saying by ARY News. Late at night toll was updated to 51. Over 100 persons were injured in accident, officials said.

Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail said toll may rise sharply as re were still mangled train compartments that rescuers h t been able to access despite pass of hours since accident.

"At least 25 people have serious injuries and are in a critical condition," he said.

An emergency was declared at hospitals in Ghotki, Dharki, Obaro and Mirpur Malo where injured were rushed.

Senior officials said that 13 to 14 bogies were derailed in accident while six to eight "completely destroyed".

Rescuing passengers who are still trapped is a "challenge" for rescue officials, Abdullah said, ding that a relief train has departed from Rohri.

"This is a challenging task. It will take time to use heavy machinery to free citizens (still trapped). We are also establishing a medical camp to provide medical aid to citizens," he said.

" driver tried to apply emergency brakes but locomotive hit infringing coaches," railways said in an initial report.

Officials were still trying to retrieve bodies and injured from one of mangled coaches, with effort being hampered by lack of appropriate cutters.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – media wing of military – said army doctors and ambulances were participating in rescue operation.

Army engineers and specialist teams of Urban Search and Rescue - equipped with disc cutters, hydraulic spreers and or specialised machinery - also reached site after being airlifted from Rawalpindi to aid effort.

Reacting to train accident, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he was "shocked by horrific train accident".

"Shocked by horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers de. Have asked Railway Minister to reach site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of de. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines,” he tweeted.

President Arif Alvi also expressed sorrow over loss of lives in train accident.

Sir Syed Express train’s driver Aijaz Shah, who survived accident, said that he was rescued by locals after two hours of collision.

He said train was running at its rmal speed when he suddenly saw derailed coaches of Millat Express train at track. Due to short distance, train rammed into derailed coaches of Millat Express, leing to accident.

According to officials, over 1,000 passengers were on board two trains.

Around 20 passengers still remained trapped in wreck of some of bogies which were damd and overturned, a spokesperson for railways department said, ding that officials were accumulating all information of passengers and staff on both trains.

"It will take some time for rescue operation to be completed as heavy machinery is required to remove damd coaches," one official said.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Mur Ali Shah expressed grief over loss of lives and directed Sukkur Commissioner to mobilise district ministration, Dawn news reported.

"Machinery should be arranged to rescue passengers that are still stuck. Arrangements should also be me at nearby hospitals to treat those that have been injured,” he said, directing official to arrange temporary accommodation and food for passengers.

"An information system should be set up so that citizens can get accurate information," Sindh Chief Minister said.

authorities have anunced Rs 1.5 million (15 lakh) ex gratia each to next of kin of those killed. injured will be given a minimum of Rs 100,000 and a maximum of Rs 300,000, depending upon nature of injury, Geo News reported.

Train accidents are common in Pakistan and dozens of people lose ir lives every year. railways have seen deces of decline due to graft, mismanment and lack of investment.

According to a senior former railways official, such accidents happen from time to time all over Pakistan as railways network remains outdated in many places.

"In some areas, y are still using same network and tracks which were laid before Partition," former official ded.

In July 2020, at least 20 people were killed when Shah Hussain Express train rammed into a coaster near Sheikhupura in Punjab.

Around 30 people were travelling on vehicle from Nankana Sahib to Peshawar, out of whom 13 males and seven females died in accident. deceased h included 19 Sikh pilgrims and driver of vehicle.

This incident came four months after a bus crossing an unmanned railway crossing near Rohri in Sindh was crushed by Lahore-bound Pakistan Express train coming from Karachi on February 28, 2020, killing at least 19 people and leaving more than 30 injured. PTI CORR/SH CPS ZH AKJ IND