At least 20 people are reportedly killed and dozens others injured in a train accident in Sukkur. A passenger train collided with a bus near Rohri railway station on Friday night causing havoc in the area.
Sindh transport minister Owais Shah told media that the death toll rises to 20. He told media that the provincial authorities have contacted railway administration for closing the crossing. He blamed railway administration for showing negligence over the issue.
On the other hand, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Irfan Samo feared the death toll might go up. Most of the injured were taken to the Civil Hospital Sukkur and Taluka Hospital Rohri by police. Edhi rescuers are also said to be in a critical condition.
source: Arynews
After the accident, the traffic on the Punjab-Sindh track was also suspended till the track is cleared of the rubble. However, all the trains stopped at various stations at the rail track between Punjab and Sindh are now allowed to resume their journey.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the Sukkur commissioner to dispatch rescue teams to the area.
It was a horrible accident
Sukkur Police AIG Dr Jamil Ahmed said in an interview that it was a horrible accident where the bus was split into three parts.
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Pakistan Express train was on its way to Rawalpindi from Karachi, when it collided with a passenger bus at an railway crossing. The bus was en route to Punjab and was carrying 20 passengers. “It was a very horrible accident. The bus was split into three parts,” the AIG said. Adding that the impact of the collision was such that the bus was dragged almost 150-200 feet by the train.
Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the Rohri incident.
Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed sorrow over the deaths in the incident. He ordered the Sindh government to ensure best medical treatment to the wounded persons.
Moreover, in his clarification, driver of Pakistan Expressway said train was travelling in its fixed speed when the bus suddenly came infront of it. The driver said he has tried to stop the train through emergency brake but the collision took place with the bus due to lesser distance.
