Friday 19 / April / 2024
Islamabad: A collision between a passenger train and a stationary freight train near the central town of Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan has killed at least 10 people, with more than 70 others injured, according to police and hospital officials in Pakistan.
The incident took place on Thursday, at the Walhar railway station, which is located about 35km south of Rahim Yar Khan.
Senior police official Umar Salamat told local media the collision took place because the passenger train was diverted onto the incorrect track at the station, hitting the parked freight train.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to express his grief over the incident.
“Saddened to learn of train accident in Sadiqabad. My condolences to the victims families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure & ensure safety
standards,”he said in his tweet.
Rescue operations were under way at the collision site, with workers using equipment to get to some of those trapped in the train wreckage, local media reported.
The injured were taken to a nearby government hospital and to a more advanced facility in Rahim Yar Khan, hospital officials said.
