At least 30 killed as passenger trains collide in Sindh’s Ghotki district

At least 30 killed, 50 injured as passenger trains collide in Sindh’s Ghotki district on Monday morning.

According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, the incident took place near the Raiti railway station after a Millat Express — headed from Karachi to Sargodha — derailed and fell across the “down-track” and resulted in a collision with a Sir Syed Express coming from Rawalpindi.

Reportedly, 8 bogies of Millat Express and 3 bogies including the engine of Sir Syed Express derailed, while some bogies fell into the ditch after the accident.

Trains on the up and down tracks have been suspended since the crash. 

Rescue operation is underway with the help of police and the local administration.

According to Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail, 15 to 20 passengers were still trapped in the wreckage of the Millat Express train and authorities have been trying to arrange heavy machinery to rescue those people who are crying for help, said Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail.

He said that the death toll is likely to rise as one of the bogies is still stuck in the wreckage. “The Pakistan Railways relief train has not yet reached the spot from Rohri,” he said.

Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah while talking to a news source said that at least 30 people had been killed while 50 others had been injured in the incident.

However, officials were facing difficulty in rescuing passengers as the bogies had overturned, he said, adding that the death toll could increase.

Speaking to Geo News, the deputy commissioner said that 13 to 14 bogies had derailed in the incident while six to eight were “completely destroyed”. He said that citizens that were still trapped were a “challenge” for rescue officials.

On the other hand, PM Imran Khan has ordered a thorough investigation into the accident.

“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,” he tweeted.

This is a developing story.