Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 06 Aug 2023, 10:36 am Print
Pakistan
Nawabshah: At least 30 people died and 80 others were hurt after 10 bogies of Havelian-bound Hazara Express derailed close to the Sahara Railway Station in Pakistan's Nawabshah district on Sunday.
Commissioner Benazirabad division Abbas Baloch said in a statement that at least 30 died in the incident while passengers are still stranded in a bogie, reports Geo News.
He said a relief train will arrive at the scene soon.
Emergency has been imposed in the local hospitals following the mishap.
Benazirabad Deputy Inspector General of Police Younis Chandio told Geo News that nine out of 10 wrecked bogies had been cleared, with injured and deceased being pulled out.
He said the remaining bogie needs heavy machinery to be removed from the spot.
The reason behind the mishap is still not known.
Following the train crash, rail service to and from the interior districts of Sindh was suspended.
Authorities believe it may take up to 18 hours to restore operation on the line.
Federal Railway Minister's reaction:
Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique, during a press conference, said someone could have "deliberately" caused the accident and it could also be a mechanical fault.
"First, we will provide relief and then investigate. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is reaching the site. Emergency has been imposed in hospitals in Sukkur," the federal minister was quoted as saying by Geo News.
- WUC condemns Chinese sanctions against Uyghur and Tibetan organisations in Canada
- US leader discusses human rights issues with Bangladesh interim chief Yunus amid rising attacks on minorities
- Middle East conflict: Israel confesses its role in assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
- US: Woman dies after she was set on fire in New York subway, suspect arrested
- Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's wife Asma al-Assad files for divorce, wants to return to UK