A train derailment in southern Pakistan has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and left around 100 people injured, according to a police spokesman. The incident occurred near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, approximately 275 kilometers (171 miles) from Karachi, the largest city in the country.
The Hazara Express train experienced several carriages overturning during the accident, leading to a harrowing scene of twisted wreckage. Rescue teams are currently working tirelessly to free individuals trapped inside the affected carriages, while the wounded passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Accidents on Pakistan’s outdated railway system are regrettably not uncommon. In response to the tragedy, Railway Minister Saad Rafiq mentioned that initial investigations indicated the train was traveling at a normal speed. Authorities are now striving to determine the cause of the derailment.
According to a railway spokesperson in Karachi, at least eight carriages derailed during the incident. As the rescue efforts continue, some individuals are still trapped inside the train carriages, further adding to the urgency of the situation.
Videos circulating on social media display the aftermath of the accident, revealing dozens of people at the scene. Some passengers managed to climb out of the overturned carriages, but the overall impact of the derailment has been devastating.
The government has declared an emergency in the main hospitals in Nawabshah and the neighboring districts of Sindh to accommodate the influx of injured individuals.
This tragic event underscores the pressing need for improvements in Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and safety protocols. The authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the derailment to prevent such incidents in the future.
