The local media has reported a tragic train derailment in southern Pakistan has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and left dozens injured.
The incident occurred near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, approximately 275km (171 miles) away from Karachi, the country’s largest city. Several coaches of the Hazara Express overturned, leading to a devastating scene of twisted wreckage.
Wounded passengers have been swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention, as rescue teams work tirelessly to free people trapped in the overturned coaches. The gravity of the situation has prompted the deployment of army rescue teams to assist in the rescue efforts.
In response to the disaster, an emergency has been declared in the main hospitals in Nawabshah and the surrounding districts of Sindh.
Social media videos captured the aftermath of the accident, showing numerous people gathered at the accident site, with some passengers managing to climb out of the overturned coaches.
Khawaja Saad Rafique, the Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation, stated that the primary focus would be on rescue operations before investigating the cause of the tragic accident.
It is worth noting that accidents on Pakistan’s aging railway system are not uncommon. In the past, there have been several unfortunate incidents, including a train collision in Sindh province in 2021 that claimed the lives of at least 40 people and caused injuries to numerous others.
Over the years between 2013 and 2019, local media reports have recorded the deaths of 150 individuals in similar railway incidents.