Train Crash Kills 30 in Pakistan, Funerals Begin
A tragic train derailment in southern Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 30 people, with dozens more injured. The incident occurred on August 6, 2023, near the Sarhari railway station, when 10 cars of the Hazara Express train went off the tracks. As families mourned the loss of their loved ones, the injured remained hospitalized, while investigations were underway to determine the cause of the accident.
According to Dr. Aqeel Ahmed Qureshi from a hospital in the district of Nawabshah, 27 bodies have been identified and handed over to relatives for burial, while the remaining three await identification. The railways minister, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, acknowledged the dilapidated state of the railway tracks due to insufficient funds for maintenance, which may have contributed to the tragic incident.
In response to the crash, rail services were temporarily suspended, affecting the southern region of the country. However, partial restoration of passenger rail service began on August 7. The mainline is still undergoing repairs as engineers work diligently to rectify the situation.
The aftermath of the accident highlighted the poor state of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and official negligence, both contributing factors to train accidents in the country. Tragically, this is not the first time such a disaster has occurred. In 2021, Sindh province witnessed another horrific collision between two trains in the district of Ghotki, resulting in the loss of 65 lives. Additionally, in 1990, a packed passenger train crashed into a stationary freight train in southern Pakistan, claiming the lives of 210 individuals, marking the deadliest rail disaster in the nation’s history.
During this trying time, rescue workers, along with military and paramilitary troops, played a crucial role in aiding trapped passengers. The most seriously injured were transported to distant hospitals via military helicopters to receive the necessary medical attention.
Passengers affected by the train crash voiced their frustrations as they awaited the resumption of train services, particularly those traveling from Karachi to the eastern Punjab province. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective railway maintenance and modernization to ensure the safety of passengers.
In conclusion, the devastating train crash in southern Pakistan has left a profound impact on the nation. As families laid their loved ones to rest, investigations into the accident continue. It is imperative that authorities prioritize the improvement of railway infrastructure and maintenance protocols to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
