Sukkur (Rana Ali Zohaib): The Millat Express and Sir Syed Express crashed near Daharki, killing 35 passengers. PM Imran khan took notice of accident and advised Railway minister to reach on site and ensure the medical facilities.
According to sources, Millat Express was going from Karachi to Sargodha and Sir Syed Express was going from Punjab to Karachi when the bogies of Millat Express derailed near Daharki while the oncoming Sir Syed Express collided with D-Rail bogies.
Sources said that the accident took place near Daharki and Reti Lane stations in which 8 bogies of Millat Express and 3 bogies including engine of Sir Syed Express derailed.
According to sources, rescue operations were launched in the area a few hours after the accident was reported. The injured and dead have been shifted to Sadiqabad, Daharki and Mirpur Mathelo hospitals where 35 deaths have been confirmed so far. More than 60 passengers were injured.
Sources confirmed that four railway employees were among those killed in the train accident.
Difficulties in relief work
Sources said that several passengers are still feared to be trapped in the train for which heavy machinery has been called.
Rescue operations were hampered by darkness
According to local officials, the rescue operation was hampered by darkness due to the accident last night and the arrival of heavy machinery has been delayed due to difficult routes. However, locals are taking part in the rescue operation.
SSP Ghotki said that a medical relief camp has been set up at the accident site and medical aid is being provided to the injured while providing all kinds of assistance to the affected passengers.
According to officials, the passengers of the affected trains boarded tractor-trolleys and left for the national highway.
Drivers and crew of both trains safe
DS Railway says the drivers and crew of both trains are safe.
On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Ghotki Usman Abdullah while talking to Geo News said that 13 to 14 bogies have derailed in the accident and 8 bogies have been severely damaged, many people are still trapped in the bogies, heavy machinery has not arrived. The bodies have been exhumed using a hand cutter.
Rs 1.5 million aid announced for the heirs of the deceased
According to sources, the railway authorities have formed an investigation committee headed by a 21st grade officer to investigate the accident, while the railways has announced Rs 1.5 million each for the heirs of those killed in the accident. Depending on the nature of their injuries, a minimum of Rs. 100,000 and a maximum of Rs. 300,000 will be provided.
Investigation committee headed by a senior 21st grade officer formed
According to the spokesperson of the railways, a relief train has been diverted from Rohri to the accident site. Railways and local police, local administration are present on the spot for relief while help centers have been set up in Karachi, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi has been done.
Deputy Commissioner Khairpur has issued helpline number and passengers can contact this number (03325895316).
The spokesman said that most of the injured have been discharged after first aid while trains will be diverted to their destination as soon as the track is restored. However, passengers of Sir Syed Express were diverted to Sadiqabad railway station. went.
Train driver’s conversation
Ejaz Ahmed, driver of Sir Syed Express, said that the coaches of the train coming to Karachi had fallen at 3.40 pm and he tried hard to apply the brakes but the train did not stop.
“The investigation into the accident will prove that I was awake,” he said.
