One killed, several injured as Shalimar Express collides with freight train in Nowshehro Feroz

KARACHI:

At least one person was killed and 12 others injured when the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express collided with a freight train standing on a loop line near Lakha Road Station in Sindh’s Nowshehro Feroz on Sunday, a Rescue 1122 official told The Express Tribune.

Upon receiving information at its Central Command and Control, Rescue 1122 dispatched its Urban Search and Rescue team from the Bandhi satellite station, which reached the site and began rescue operations.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassan Al-Haseeb told The Express Tribune that during the operation, rescuers pulled out the injured and provided first aid at the scene, while the body of one person was also recovered. He said around 10 people, including three women, were injured in the accident and were provided immediate medical assistance.

The injured were identified as Javed Ahad (60), M Owais (25), Shahzeb (23), Sajida (30), Nimra (22), Azhar Ali (22), Ghulam Mustafa (21), Riaz (21), Zaibunnisa (40), Arif Khan (30), Tayyabur Rehman (23), Ghulam Abbas (20), and Fiza Khatoon (15).

Railway police said that following the accident, train traffic on the up track was suspended, while rescue teams were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident was reported. A Pakistan Railways official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deceased was a railway employee named Nadeem Shah.

He said Shah worked as an assistant with Pakistan Railways’ track machine team and was killed in the accident involving the 27-Up Shalimar Express near Lakha Road. He was on duty at the time and was reportedly returning after carrying equipment when the incident occurred.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi took notice of the accident and ordered a high-level inquiry to determine responsibility. The minister directed that the inquiry report be submitted to the ministry within three days and emphasised that those found responsible should be given appropriate punishment.