More than 65 people have been confirmed dead while dozens remained severely injured and in critical condition after a train in Pakistan caught fire, an official from India’s Rahim Yar Khan district confirmed today.
“According to information reaching us from site of the accident, more than 65 people were killed and over 40 injured,” Punjab Health Minister, Dr. Yasmin Rashid told Agence France Presse (AFP).
Some of the victims were women and children, their identities remain to be confirmed. Some of those injured were moved to Bahawal Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur because of their critical condition.
Radio Pak reported that the train was left Karachi and was headed to Rawalpindi. A gas cylinder was believed to be the cause of the fire, officials said.
Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said a number of people saved their lives by jumping off the train.
Rahid also said that a compensation of Rs1.5 million will be paid to the heirs of the dead., while Rs500,000 will be provided to those who are injured.
The railways authorities admitted shortcomings as they failed to check the passengers luggage thoroughly.
A railways official said that passengers must have “hidden the gas cylinder in their clothes” while boarding the train but this is clearly against train rules.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims. He is also ordering an immediate and urgent inquiry on the incident. (TN)
