Sukkur grapples with twin crisis as train derails and illegal structures catch fire

SUKKUR: Sukkur experienced two incidents in a single day on Thursday as a train derailed off track and ramshackle structures near a bus terminal was engulfed in flames.

An engine and two compartments of a goods train derailed near Dharki in Sukkur on Thursday night. The train was en route from Machi Goth to Karachi when it derailed under circumstances yet to be disclosed.

The Railways Divisional Superintendent (DS) Sukkur Irfanul Haq, confirmed the incident. He said that that relief operations were promptly sent to the site of the accident.

The DS Sukkur said that the derailment resulted in a “down track” block, worsening the difficulties the railway authorities were already facing.

A ‘down track’ is a track meant for trains going in a single direction. It helps keep trains moving safely by separating them from those going the other way.

Read more: Freight train derails in Rahim Yar Khan

Meanwhile, a fire broke out near a bus terminal in Sukkur. Almost ten illegally constructed huts were engulfed in flames.

As per reports, the blaze was started by a candle that one of the residents living in the makeshift dwelling lit it at night. The fire rapidly spread to surrounding huts and burnt them all down.

According to sources, firefighters reached the site to put off the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.