Death toll from train derailment reaches 30, says Sindh CM

NAWABSHAH: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the death toll from the train derailment near Nawabshah has now reached 30.

He said that at least 10 coaches were derailed in the tragic accident, according to Shah, who spoke to the media at the incident site.

The Sindh chief minister said that efforts were under way to provide the injured with the best medical care available.

Earlier, Shah arrived at the scene of the train accident and visited the hospital to check on the health status of the injured.

Rescue officials previously stated that at least 20 passengers lost their lives, and over 100 others were injured when eight bogies of the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah on Sunday afternoon.

The ill-fated train was en route to Havelian from Karachi.

Upon receiving information about the accident, police and rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene, leading to the immediate suspension of train operations.

Rescue teams are currently transporting the injured to People’s Medical Hospital in Nawabshah.

Officials have expressed concern that several passengers may still be trapped inside the train, which was carrying over 1000 passengers at the time of the accident.

Army and Rangers personnel also reached the incident site to assist with rescue and relief operations.

The carriages of Hazara Express derailed in Nawabshah: Pakistan Army and Rangers started immediate relief activities at the accident site

The Army Chief has issued special instructions to Pakistan Army and Rangers for relief activities. Rescue teams of Pakistan Army and Rangers… pic.twitter.com/1edxuMQ2Do

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 6, 2023

The incident site being far from the city has made difficult for the rescue teams to reach timely. According to officials, heavy machinery has been dispatched to the site but it would take 3 to 4 hours to clear the track.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique ordered a probe to find the cause of the derailment.

Rafique said an emergency has been imposed in hospitals in Sukkur and Nawabshah.

Expressing grief over lives lost in the incident, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah directed the Nawabshah deputy commissioner to provide injured with immediate medical assistance.

The train derailment once again ignites fresh concerns regarding railway safety in Pakistan.

This is a developing story