The death toll after yesterday’s train accident in Pakistan has risen to 41. At least 100 other people were injured, state railways said. The death toll is expected to rise further.
Rescuers had to retrieve bodies and injured passengers from the rubble after an intensive rescue operation. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Many of them are still in critical condition, with the death toll likely to rise.
The accident happened early Monday morning in the southern province of Sindh when the Millat Express, arriving from the port city of Karachi, derailed. Another train then ran into the aircraft. The two trains carried a total of more than 1,000 passengers. Footage from Pakistani TV channels shows local villagers coming to the rescue of screaming passengers beneath the rubble.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is “shocked” by accident and has ordered an investigation into the safety of the railways. According to Information Minister Fawad Hussain, an investigation is also underway to find out whether it is an accident or an act of terrorism.
Rail accidents are common in Pakistan. The rail network has suffered decades of neglect due to corruption, mismanagement and lack of investment.
