At least 29 people, mostly Pakistani Sikhs, were killed when a mini-bus collided with a train in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Friday.
Officials said the Shah Hussain Express, which was coming from Karachi to Lahore, hit the mini-bus carrying the Sikh pilgrims at an unmanned level crossing at Farooqabad, some 60 km from Lahore, at 1.30 pm. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Amir Hashmi said at least 29 people, most of them Pakistani Sikhs, were killed in the collision.
The pilgrims were reportedly returning from Nankana Sahib. According to officials, the gate at the crossing was closed, however, the driver of the vehicle tried to take a shortcut, leading to the accident.
The unfortunate accident happened near Farooqabad railway station. The train was headed to Lahore from Karachi when the bus rammed into it. The accident took place at a railway crossing which had no barriers. The wounded were admitted to a nearby hospital. Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid has directed the authorities to initiate a probe and take action against those responsible. “Action will be taken in accordance with the law against whomever is held responsible for this accident,” the railways said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragic incident.
“Pained by the tragic demise of Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan. My thoughts are with their families and friends in this hour of grief,” the prime minister tweeted.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the accident and directed authorities to provide the best medical aid to the injured.
“My condolences and prayers go to the families of the deceased. [I] have directed relevant authorities to ensure facilitation and care for all the families,” he said.
The premier announced that the Railways’ “operational safety SOPs will be reviewed immediately”.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed sorrow at the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased. According to a statement, the Chief Minister directed the health department to provide all facilities possible to the injured.
Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif said the news of the Sikh pilgrims’ death in the accident was “saddening”.
“I extend my most sincere sympathies to the bereaved families on their irreparable loss,” a tweet by his office quoted Sharif as saying.
Friday’s accident comes after a series of recent fatal railway accidents in Pakistan.
Surjitt sahani
