Death toll from accident to Pakistan army train rises to 17

At least 17 people, including four army officers, were killed when three bogies of a special train carrying army officials fell into a canal and one other was derailed as a railway bridge collapsed in Pakistan. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said 14 dead bodies had been recovered from the site of the incident, while divers were searching the canal for more dead bodies, Dawn reported. The special train was heading to Kharian from Pano Aqil. According to sources, the train was carrying army personnel who were travelling for a military exercise.

We frequently examine our bridges, but it is too early to say what caused the accident.

Pakistan Railways spokesman Abdul Rauf Tahir

The pre-partition bridge that collapsed as the train was passing over it was reportedly in a dilapidated condition. Railway Minister Saad Rafique said the incident seems to be result of an act of “sabotage”, adding it seemed confusing whether the special train met an accident or was it an act of deliberate disruption. Rafique felt it was apparent some other hand seems to be at play in the incident. He ruled out possibility of the worn-out bridge to be the reason behind the incident.

We are getting an idea of what would have happened to the train. However, a final word cannot be given prior to the submission of the inquiry report.

Railway Minister Saad Rafique told Pakistan media.

Middle East