Death toll from train derailment in Pakistan rises to 30 with 60 others injured, officials say

44

A train heading towards Rawalpindi derailed near the town of Nawabshah in southern Pakistan, resulting in at least 30 deaths and injuries to no fewer than 60 individuals, according to official reports. The rescue efforts were in full swing at the time.

The derailment caused ten cars of the train to veer off the tracks, and some even flipped over, leaving many passengers trapped, as informed by Mahmoodur Rehman Lakho, a high-ranking railway officer.

Images broadcasted on local television displayed rescue workers aiding women, children, and elderly passengers out of the damaged and toppled cars. Scenes of injured passengers pleading for help on the ground were also visible, while nearby locals provided water and food. Associated Press images depicted the chaos with derailed cars strewn alongside or across the tracks.

From the accident site, senior police officer Abid Baloch confirmed the recovery of 30 bodies and reported that over 60 individuals were injured, some in critical condition. He expressed concerns that the death toll might further escalate as rescue efforts were still ongoing.

Baloch also stated that among the victims were women and children.

Mahmoodur Rehman Lakho, who oversees the railways in the affected area, shared that the injured were transported to People’s Hospital in Nawabshah. He detailed that the unfortunate incident involved the Hazara Express, en route from Karachi to Rawalpindi, when ten cars derailed close to the Sarhari railway station near Nawabshah.

Mohsin Sayal, another senior railway official, announced that the main railway line’s traffic was halted as repair crews were sent to the accident scene. He assured that alternate travel and medical assistance would be arranged for the remaining passengers.

The Railways Minister, Khaja Saad Rafiq, speculated that the crash might have been caused by a mechanical defect or potentially an act of sabotage, stating that an investigation was in progress.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the frequent train crashes on Pakistan’s antiquated railway tracks. The country’s railway infrastructure, much of which dates back to the colonial era, often suffers from poor maintenance, outdated communications, and signaling systems, along with substandard safety practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword train derailment