RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least 73 people were killed and several injured when fire broke out in three bogies of Tezgam Express at Liaquatpur in Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday morning.
According to sources, the train was traveling to Rawalpindi from Karachi when it caught fire due to explosion in one of the gas cylinders. The fire engulfed three train carriages in no time.
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One business class bogie and two economy class bogies were completely destroyed due to high fire, added sources.
According to hospital sources, 10 dead bodies have been identified whereas 17 bodies are identifiable.
Reports also added that the passengers were preparing breakfast when this unfortunate incident occurred.
Sheikh Rasheed blames passengers for carrying oil, gas cylinder
The minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed said that the passengers were cooking and two stoves blew up. They had cooking oil as well that fueled the fire further.
While speaking to media, Minister of Railways, Sheikh Rasheed said that members of tableeghi jamat were traveling in the train.
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He assured that the track will be functional again within two hours.
Prime Minister Imran Khan orders provision of best treatment to Tezgam affectees
Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered concerned authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the affectees of Tezgam Express accident.
While expressing great sadness, premier Imran Khan extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured passengers.
Army Personnel assists in rescue operation
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement and said that soldiers of Pakistan Army assisted the rescue operation.
The statement added, “Pakistan Army soldiers are working with the civil administration to help with the operation. An army aviation helicopter has reached the scene of the incident.”
The helicopter was being used to transport the injured and dead bodies, said ISPR.
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The statement also said, “Pakistan Army doctors and paramedics are also helping with the relief operation.”
District rescue service official feared death toll may raise
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Earlier, The head of the district rescue service, Baqir Hussain also confirmed the news of the deaths. He said, “The deaths of 13 passengers is confirmed according to initial reports but there are fears the toll can go up.”
Hussain further added that some of the passengers lost their lives when they tried to escape the flames by jumping from the train.
Sources also revealed that the train schedule for today will not be impacted and the department will ensure smooth service.
While speaking to media, Minister of Railways, Sheikh Rasheed said that members of tableeghi jamat were traveling in the train.
The injured passengers were shifted to a nearby hospital.
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