PM Imran Khan takes action over the deadly Railways accident as the death toll rise further
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ISLAMABAD - Death toll from a fire in three bogies of Rawalpindi bound Tezgam train near Liaquatpur city has risen to seventy.
An official of Rahim Yar Khan district administration told Radio Pakistan Bahawalpur correspondent Sajjad Pervez, three coaches of the train caught fire by burst of two gas cylinders when passengers were preparing breakfast this morning.
Incharge Rescue 1122 Bahawalpur Baqir Hussain said the fire extinguishing and cooling process has been completed, and the injured passengers are being shifted to Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan hospitals.
Information about the incident can be obtained through helpline number 0300-8060780 while an emergency center has been set up at Karachi Railway Station, which can be accessed through telephone number 021-99213506.
Railway traffic has been suspended following the incident but the track will hopefully be opened for rail traffic within three hours.
Divisional Commercial Officer, Pakistan Railway Multan Division Nabila Aslam told Radio Pakistan Bahawalpur Correspondent Sajjad Parvez that the rescue and relief operation has been completed.
She told that total two hundred and seven passengers on board in the three economy coaches of Tezgam which caught fire during the incident.
She said now railway track is clear and train traffic has been restored on Up and Down track.
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed announced a compensation package of one point five million rupees for the heirs of each died passenger while half million rupees for each injured passenger.
He also thanked Army Chief for participation of Pak Army troops in relief and rescue operation.
Pakistan Army troops including doctors and paramedics have reached the site of train incident for rescue and relief operation.
According to the ISPR, Army aviation helicopter is evacuating critical injured from the incident site.
President, PM express deep grief over loss of precious lives
President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Tezgam Express fire incident.
In their separate condolence messages, they condoled with the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to provide prompt and best possible medical treatment to those injured in the incident.
