Ghotki (Web Desk): At least 48 passengers were killed and dozens injured after two passenger trains collided near Sindh’s Ghotki district on Monday.
According to Pakistan Railways (PR) officials, bogies of Millat Express, which left Daharki Railway Station, derailed and fell on the other track and Sir Syed Express, coming from opposite direction, collided with these bogies.
The mishap occurred between Raiti and Obaro railway stations.
The police sources said four boggies of Millat Express completely destroyed in the accident whereas the death toll is feared to rise.
Relief and rescue efforts are underway at the accident site near Ghotki.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson said that a relief train had been dispatched from Rohri while officials, along with police and the local administration, were carrying out rescue efforts.
He said that helpline centres have been set up for passengers in Karachi, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.
The spokesperson further said that some of the passengers from the Sir Syed Express train have been taken to the Sadiqabad railway station.
"Railway traffic would be restored when tracks are cleared," he added.
Two information centres have been set up in the Karachi division for information about the accident, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Railways said.
One has been set up at the Cantt Station in Karachi and one in Hyderabad.
The Karachi one can be contacted on 0331-2716334 and 0300-3754200, while you can contact the Hyderabad centre on 022-9200483, 022-9200258, 022-9200678 and 022-9200674.
The Khairpur deputy commissioner has issued a helpline number which passengers can call on. The number is 0332-5895316.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed shock at the loss of lives from the Ghotki train accident and ordered a "comprehensive investigation" into it.
Taking to Twitter, the prime minister instructed Railways Minister Azam Swati to arrive at the site and help the injured with provision of medical assistance.
Meanwhile, Army and Rangers troops have reached incident site and carrying out relief and rescue operation.
According to statement by the Inter-Services Public relations (ISPR), military doctors and paramedics along with ambulances also reached at incident site.
The statement said that engineer resources have been moved to carry out necessary relief and rescue work.
It said that the army's special engineer team Urban Search and Rescue is being heli-lifted from Rawalpindi to the crash site to speed up relief and rescue efforts.
“Two helicopters are being flown from Multan for casualties evacuation and speedy relief measures”, the ISPR said, adding that relief goods are being prepared and will be despatched shortly.