NAWAB SHAH: At least 30 people died and more than a hundred others were injured on Sunday when the Hazara Express derailed in district Nawabshah of Sindh.
The accident happened at Nawaz Dahri near near Sarhari when at least ten bogies of Hazara Express derailed from the railway track while others were turned upside down.
Several passengers including women, children and elderly were trapped in the train. The Hazara Express was going from Karachi to Sargodha when the tragic incident occurred.
Railways officials and local volunteers are participating in the rescue efforts to help the trapped passengers. The injured are being shifted to the People’s Medical Centre in Nawabshah for medical treatment.
The railway traffic has been suspended after the incident. DCO Railways said a relief train has been sent from Rohri and Kotri railway station carrying medical supplies and paramedics to help the injured passengers. He said at least ten coaches were damaged in the incident. He added that rescue efforts are underway to shift the injured to hospital.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has taken notice and ordered railway officials to launch emergency rescue operation. He expressed deep regret and offered his condolences over the loss of lives in the untoward incident.
He said the medical assistance should be immediately provided to the injured. The local administration declared a state of emergency of hospitals in Nawabshah and adjoining districts.
Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has ordered an inquiry into the incident. “First there will be relief, then there will be an investigation” he said, adding that he has just received reports of the incident
He said train was running at a normal speed. He said sabotage or mechanical fault can be responsible for the accident. “I was thinking in the morning, may God have mercy. Three days are left, no bad news,” he said.
Army, Rangers rescue operation
Pakistan Army and Rangers started immediate rescue activities at the accident site. The Army Chief has issued special instructions to Pakistan Army and Rangers dispatch troops for relief activities.
Rescue teams of Pakistan Army and Rangers started reaching the accident site. Additional troops were called in from Hyderabad and Sakrand. Army Aviation helicopters are also sent for rescue to transport severely injured passengers.
Pakistan Army and Rangers are also reaching the accident site with food items. The rescue operation of will continue till the injured are shifted to hospital and people trapped are rescued.
