Federal minister blames previous governments for Monday’s crash
At least 51 passengers were killed and over a 100 were injured as two trains collided near Ghotki in Sindh on Monday morning.
Reportedly, the crash between Millat Express and Sir Syed Express took place between Raiti and Obaro railway stations around 3:30am. Millat Express, which was going from Karachi to Sargodha, derailed, and crashed into Sir Syed Express which was coming in from Rawalpindi.
Pakistan has recorded 16 railway accidents over the past five years, with nine of these happening under the incumbent government. During the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, at least 116 people have died in train accidents.
Soon after the accident on Monday, military troops, police, district administration and rescue workers were engaged in a rescue operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations also issued a statement in this regard, saying that while troops were engaged in rescue operations, military doctors and paramedics had also reached the site to assist in relief efforts.
Taking notice of crash, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Railways Minister Azam Swati to reach the site of the crash and ensure assistance to the victims. The premier also ordered a “comprehensive investigation to into railway safety faultlines”.
On the prime minister’s directives, Swati went to the site of the accident but no cause for the accident could be determined. Reportedly, the railways minister will oversee the initial inquiry into the incident.
According to Reuters, Pakistan Railways, in an initial report, said that soon after the derailment of some coaches, the driver tried to apply emergency brakes but the incoming train smashed into them.
Over the past two decades, governments have rarely paid any attention to railway infrastructure. Decaying tracks and coaches, along with an ageing signal system, have contributed to railway accidents over the years.
On Monday, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry held previous governments responsible for the incident as “they destroyed state institutions” through “political hirings”.
