Sheikh Rasheed orders high-level probe in Sadiqabad train accident

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – Expressing his grief over the deadly train collision in Sadiqabad, Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday has ordered an high-level investigation into the incident. In a statement, Rasheed said, the train accident occurred due to human error and said he has ordered an investigation into the incident. The minister further said all assistance will be provided to the families of the deceased and the injured. He also announced compensation of Rs1.5million for the heirs of the deceased and Rs0.5million for the critically injured of the mishap. The railways minister added that there is a lot of corruption in railways which will take time to eliminate. “Complete investigation is done into accidents. After the train accident in Hyderabad two section officers were given a notice while two others were dismissed from the department,” he added. Earlier today, at least 16 people were killed and more than sixty injured when Quetta bound Akbar Express collided with a goods train at Walhar near Sadiqabad on Thursday morning.

According to the details garnered, the rescue operation is underway. Hydraulic cutters have been called at the site to retrieve dead bodies. Injured are being shifted to the hospitals of Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar khan.

The passenger train was going to Quetta from Lahore when it collided with a goods train standing at Walhar Railway Station. The sources said that the engine of Akbar Express was completely destroyed in the accident while three bogies were also damaged, resulting in death of 10 persons while many others sustained injuries. On the other hand, emergency was declared at all hospitals in Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad after the accident. Pakistan Army teams have also been reached and participating in the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the accident. He also ordered investigation into the incident. Deputy Commisioner Rahim Yar Khan has established a control room to provide necessary information to the victim families. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW8pUPGLapI

President, PM express sorrow over loss of live

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the train accident near Sadiqabad. In their separate messages, they directed to provide best possible medical treatment to the injured. In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he has asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure and ensure safety standards. Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan has also expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the train accident.