Train Collision in Pakistan... Over 35 Dead Among 1,100 Passengers (Comprehensive)

After Derailment, Opposite Train Collides
Death Toll May Rise...Cause of Accident Still Under Investigation

(Ghotki AP=Yonhap News) On the 7th (local time), people gathered around a train crumpled like a sheet of paper in a collision accident in Ghotki, Sindh Province, southern Pakistan. [AP video capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] A tragic accident occurred in southern Pakistan where two trains carrying a total of about 1,100 passengers collided, resulting in more than 35 deaths.

According to major foreign media on the 7th (local time), the trains traveling in opposite directions collided near Darkishi in the Ghotki district of Sindh province in the south that morning.

According to AFP, the Millat Express train traveling from southern Karachi to northern Sargodha derailed and crossed over to the adjacent track. At this time, the Sir Syed Express train, which had departed from northern Lahore and was coming from the opposite direction, collided with it. It is known that there were about 1,100 passengers on the two trains, including wedding guests. The exact cause of the derailment and collision has not been disclosed.

Usman Abdullah, a senior local official, told Geo News, "13 to 14 train cars derailed, and 8 cars were severely damaged." Azam Swati, Pakistan's Minister of Railways, told AP that more than 35 people have been confirmed dead so far. Geo News reported that the number of injured exceeds 64 and that the death toll may rise once the site is cleared.

AP reported that 15 to 20 people are still trapped inside the wreckage of the Millat Express train. Authorities plan to deploy heavy equipment for rescue operations. A rescue train has also departed from a nearby city to the accident site, and a medical support camp has been set up at the scene. However, the accident site is in a remote area, making rapid rescue efforts difficult.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "I am shocked by the horrific train accident" and said he has ordered a comprehensive investigation into safety-related negligence.

This is not the first major train accident in Pakistan. In October 2019, more than 75 people died in a fire on a train traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi. In 2016, 21 people died in a train collision in Karachi.