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Death Toll Rises to 63 After Horrific Train Collision in Pakistan

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - The death toll from Monday's collision of two
   trains in southern Pakistan rose to 63 on Tuesday.

   The number of fatalities increased from 51 after rescue crews recovered
   12 more bodiesfromthe wreckage of mangled train cars in the Ghotki
   district in Sindh province.

   The deadly, early morning collision occurred when the Millat Express
   was traveling between the southern port city Karachi to Sarghodha when
   it derailed, leaving many cars full of sleeping passengers scattered
   over the tracks. Minutes later, the Sir Syed Express heading in the
   opposite direction rammed the derailed Millat Express.

   Officials said more than 1,100 people were on board both the trains.

   Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a statement it is
   premature to say whether the accident occurred due to a technical
   error, negligence, or sabotage but all aspects were being investigated.

   Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked by the horrific" train
   accident and ordered a "comprehensive investigation into railway safety
   fault lines," on a Twitter post shortly after the collusion on Monday.

     Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning
     leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked Railway Minister to reach
     site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families
     of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway
     safety faultlines
     -- Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) [1]June 7, 2021

   Pakistan army and paramilitary troops were on the site
   andassistingcivilian rescue and relief efforts. Rescue efforts which
   began Monday continuedovernight and into Tuesday, according to local
   reports.

   Train accidents are rare in Pakistan, whose antiquated railways have
   seen little to no maintenance or investment in decades.

References

   1. https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1401754056226480128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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