Ravalpindi: A tragic train crash in Pakistan has resulted in a death toll of 30 people and left over 100 others injured. The accident occurred when the Hazara Express train, carrying around 1,000 passengers and comprising 16 to 17 cars, derailed while crossing a canal bridge on its route from Karachi to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the country’s northwest.
Sindh’s Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, confirmed the casualties and reported that nine cars have been cleared. A rescue operation is ongoing in the remaining car to recover passengers, and critically injured individuals will be transported to Karachi, the southern port city, for better medical treatment.
Minister for Railway, Khawaja Saad Rafique, stated that authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, and the possibility of “sabotage” is being ruled out.
In response to the tragedy, rescue teams, the Pakistan Army, and Pakistan Railways personnel rushed to the site to initiate relief activities. Local volunteers also joined the effort to help rescue stranded passengers.
Eyewitness Affaq Rao, who was working in the fields, heard a loud bang when the train derailed. Along with other locals, he rushed to the coaches to assist people in getting out of the train. He described the scenes as the most horrific and heart-wrenching of his life.
Another passenger, Rehman Malik, was fortunate to escape with minor injuries and expressed that the incident was his worst nightmare. The train derailment led to the suspension of train operations, affecting the routines of many trains. Railway authorities estimated that it may take up to 18 hours to fully restore operations.
As the situation unfolds, authorities will continue investigating the cause of the derailment and providing support to the victims and their families.
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