At least 10 cars of a passenger train derailed in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province on Sunday, killing at least 30 passengers and injuring more than 100 others, government and police officials said.
Confirming the casualties, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said nine cars had been cleared and added that a rescue operation was underway in the remaining car to free the passengers.
He said the critically injured people would be taken to the southern port city of Karachi for better treatment.
The Hazara Express train, which consists of around 16 to 17 coaches carrying more than 1,000 passengers, derailed while crossing a canal bridge on its way from Karachi to the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique told the media that authorities are investigating the incident and the possibility of “sabotage” can be ruled out.
Rescue teams, Pakistan Army and Pakistan Railways personnel rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. Local volunteers also helped with the rescue of stranded passengers.
Affaq Rao, an eyewitness, told Xinhua that he was working in the fields when he heard a strange loud bang.
“It was the noise of the train derailing. At first I couldn’t figure out what to do, but then I ran to the carriages with other locals and tried to help people get off the train,” he said.
“They were the most terrifying and heartbreaking scenes of my life,” Rao said.
Rehman Malik was traveling to the eastern city of Rawalpindi for his business purpose when the unfortunate incident occurred. “Fortunately I was unhurt,” he said.
Malik, who sustained minor injuries in the accident, said the incident was his worst nightmare.
Train operations were suspended after the derailment, affecting the routine of many trains, with railway authorities saying it could take up to 18 hours to resume operations.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the incident and ordered the authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured people.
