50 killed, 70 injured as passenger trains collide in Pakistan

Soldiers and volunteers work at the site of the train collision in the Ghotki district in southern Pakistan on Monday. Pic/PTI

Two passenger trains collided in Pakistan's southern Sindh Province early Monday morning, killing at least 50 people and injuring 70 others, prompting authorities to call in the Army and paramilitary forces for the challenging task of rescue and relief operations.

The accident occurred when the Millat Express train from Karachi to Sargodha derailed and fell on the opposite track and collided with Sir Syed Express headed from Rawalpindi to Karachi, a spokesperson of Pakistan Railways said.

The collision, in which bogies of the Millat Express train overturned, took place near Dharki, a city located in the Ghotki district of upper Sindh.

An emergency has been declared at hospitals in Ghotki, Dharki, Obaro and Mirpur Mathelo where injured were rushed. At least 50 people have lost their lives and 70 others sustained injuries, ARY News quoted Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah as saying. The deceased included women and some railway officials.

"Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked the Railway Minister to reach the site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines," Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter.

Sir Syed Express train's driver Aijaz Shah said he was rescued by locals after two hours of the collision. He said the train was running at its normal speed when he suddenly saw the derailed bogies of Millat Express train on the track. Due to the short distance, the train rammed into the derailed bogies, leading to the accident, the report said.

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