UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, STATEMENTS FROM PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER, ARMY; CHNAGES HEADLINE
By Aamir Latif and Islamuddin Sajid
KARACHI / ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - At least 35 people were killed and dozens of others injured early Monday in a collision between two passenger trains in southern Pakistan, officials and local media reported.
The collision between the northbound and southbound trains occurred near Ghotki district in southern Sindh province, located 526 kilometers (326 miles) from the provincial capital Karachi.
Deputy Commissioner Ghotki Usman Abdullah told reporters that the accident occurred after rear carriages of the northbound Millat Express derailed and drifted to the parallel track, resulting in a collision with the southbound Sir Syed Express.
Footage aired on local broadcaster Geo News showed rescue workers and locals pulling bodies and the injured out and loading them into ambulances. The badly damaged train cars were seen lying on the track.
Kamran Afzal, a top police officer in the region, said 35 bodies have been recovered and 60 injured people were rushed to hospitals.
Rescue workers and military troops continued their operation to recover over two dozen passengers still trapped in the wreckage.
"2 helicopters are being flown from Multan for casualties evacuation and speedy relief measures," the Pakistan army said in a statement.
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed their grief over the tragic accident and offered condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked Railway Minister to reach site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines," Khan said on Twitter.
Pakistan has had a long history of train accidents, mainly because of poor infrastructure and a lack of safety standards.
On Oct. 31, 2019, more than 70 people died in an explosion on a moving train near Rahimyar Khan district of northeastern Punjab province which officials later blamed on a fire caused by a short-circuit.
At least 19 members of a small Sikh community died in a collision between a bus and a train in Punjab's Sheikhupura district in July last year.