SUKKUR: At least 40 passengers were killed and several others were injured when two express trains collided near Ghotki on Monday morning, police and rescue officials said.
Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab has confirmed that almost 40 passengers were killed. The Millat Express – headed from Karachi to Sargodha – derailed and the Sir Syed Express train hit it soon afterward between Raiti and Daharki railway stations in district Ghotki. Around 14 boogies of both trains have been damaged while four have been completely destroyed.
DC Ghotki Usman Abdullah warned that several people are still trapped in both trains and heavy machinery and cutters are required for the operation while railway traffic has been suspended.
He said officials were facing difficulty in rescuing citizens as the bogies had overturned, expressing fears that the death toll could increase. He said that a relief train had departed from Rohri and the local administration and rescue teams were present on the site of the accident.
An emergency has been declared at hospitals in Ghotki, Dharki, Ubaro and Mirpur Mathelo, and doctors and paramedical staff had been called on duty. Police and rescue teams reached the spot for the rescue and relief operation. Pakistan Rangers Sindh personnel have also reached the site of the incident to assist the civil administration in the rescue operation.
Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail said that those who suffered minor injuries in the incident had been given first aid and had been discharged. A Railways spokesperson said the remaining passengers are being sent to Sadiqabad.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and expressed grief over the lives lost. Speaking to the Sukkur Commissioner over the phone, he directed him to mobilise the district administration. “Machinery should be arranged to rescue passengers that are still stuck,” he said.
“Arrangements should also be made at nearby hospitals to treat those that have been injured”, he added. The Chief Minister also directed the official to arrange temporary accommodation and food for the passengers. “An information system should be set up so that citizens can get accurate information,” he added.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has also expressed shock over the horrific train accident at Ghotki He said the railway minister has been asked to reach the site and ensure medical assistance to the injured and support for families of the dead. He also ordered a comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines.
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
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 7, 2021
Army relief efforts underway
The Pakistan Army was mobilised to conduct relief and rescue efforts that were underway at incident site of Millat and Sir Syed Express trains.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Army and Rangers troops had reached the incident site and were carrying out relief and rescue operation. “Military Doctor and paramedics along with ambulances being moved from Pannu Aqil had also reached the incident site,” it added.
Moreover, Engineer resources were also moved to carry out necessary relief and rescue work. It added that the Army special Engineer Team Urban Search and Rescue ( USAR) was being heli lifted from Rawalpindi to incident site to speed up relief and rescue efforts.
However, two helicopters were being flown from Multan for casualties evacuation and speedy relief measures. The ISPR statement further added that the relief goods were being prepared and would be despatched shortly.
