36 killed, scores injured as two passenger trains collide in Pakistan’s Sindh

36 killed, scores injured as two passenger trains collide in Pakistan’s Sindh

Karachi: Two passenger trains collided in Pakistan’s southern Sindh Province early Monday morning, killing at least 36 people and injuring scores of others, according to officials.
The accident occurred when the Millat Express train from Karachi to Sargodha derailed and fell on the opposite track and collided with Sir Syed Express headed from Rawalpindi to Karachi, a spokesperson of Pakistan Railways said.
The collision, in which bogies of the Millat Express train overturned, took place near Dharki, a city located in the Ghotki district of upper Sindh.
An emergency has been declared at hospitals in Ghotki, Dharki, Obaro and Mirpur Mathelo where injured were rushed.
The Express Tribune reported that at least 36 people have been killed and scores of others injured in the train collision.
Reacting to the train derailment, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he was “shocked by the horrific train accident”.
“Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. 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,” he said on Twitter.
Officials were facing difficulties in rescuing the people trapped inside the overturned bogies.
Speaking to Geo News, Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah said that 13 to 14 bogies have derailed in the accident while six to eight were “completely destroyed”.
Rescuing passengers who are still trapped is a “challenge” for the rescue officials, he said, adding 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.
Ghotki Senior Superintendent of Police Umar Tufail said that passengers were stuck in one of the bogies and “we fear more casualties”.
“Some breathed their last after being pulled out from the wreckage,” he said.
According to officials, over 1,000 passengers were on board the two trains.
—PTI

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