Two express trains, carrying about 1,100 passengers, collided in southern Pakistan on Monday, killing at least 30 and injuring another 50 people, said authorities. The accident occurred in Ghotki district, in Sindh province around 4am after a Millat Express train derailed which caused a Sir Syed Express train to ramp onto it.
Rescue workers, police and villagers rushed the injured and the dead to nearby hospitals. Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah told AP that officials were facing difficulty in rescuing citizens as the bogies had overturned and that the death toll could increase.
A relief train has been dispatched to the crash site while helpline centres have been set up for passengers, officials stated. Initial reports did not confirm the cause of the derailment and the crash following it.
Senior district police official Umar Tufail told local TV channel Geo News that rescuers are still trying to access a coach where some 25 people were believed to be trapped, Reuters cited.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, tweeted as saying, "Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked the railway minister to reach the site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines".