LAHORE: Pakistan Railway’s authorities have said that railway operations in various parts of the country had resumed after remaining suspended overnight as the upside track blocked due to a collision between Shalimar Express and a cargo train near Khanpur.
According to railway officials, after the clearance, Shalimar Express left for Lahore while Awam Express headed to Khanpur after a 12-hour delay. The officials further said the operation is underway to clear the downside track as well.
Shalimar Express train traveling from Karachi to Lahore had collided with Down 502 cargo train near the Jheeta Bhatta railway station on Saturday evening.
The train’s driver and the assistant driver suffered minor injuries in the collision while all the passengers remained safe. Two coaches of the cargo train were damaged while Shalimar Express’s front-engine was derailed.
The latest accident came a day after the deadly crash between a coaster carrying Sikh pilgrims and a train in Sheikhupura which claimed 22 lives.
According to details, the Shah Hussain Express was going from Karachi to Lahore when it struck a van at an unmanned railway crossing between Farooqabad and Behali railway station.
A passenger van of Sikh pilgrims returning from Nankana Sahib was rammed by the train. District Police Officer (DPO) Sheikhupura had confirmed that at least fifteen Sikhs were killed in the accident.
Rescue officials of Railways and Rescue 1122 arrived on the scene of the accident. Railways authorities had cleared the track and train operation has resumed.
According to a statement by Railways ministry, the divisional engineer was suspended following the accident. Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had ordered authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the accident.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed sorrow at the loss of lives in the train accident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had also expressed grief and sorrow at the loss of precious lives and instructed to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari termed the incident horrific.
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