In a devastating incident that shook Pakistan’s Sindh province, the Rawalpindi-bound Hazara Express suffered a horrific derailment, resulting in nearly 20 fatalities and leaving over 80 passengers injured. The accident occurred near a station approximately 275 kilometers from Karachi, as reported by the local news channel Geo News. The grim possibility of more people being injured looms over the rescue and relief efforts. The cause of the derailment remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving authorities puzzled and searching for answers.
As the injured passengers were swiftly rushed to nearby hospitals, an emergency was declared in the neighboring medical facilities to cope with the influx of victims. To combat the unfolding catastrophe, the Pakistan Army promptly joined the rescue operations, with additional troops called in from nearby bases to bolster the relief efforts. The gravity of the situation was further underscored when the local administrator disclosed that a relief train was dispatched to the accident site, with an imminent arrival on the horizon. As the rescue operation unfolds, hopes are held high for the prompt and effective retrieval of any potential survivors.
The aftermath of this tragic incident is also casting a shadow on railway operations, with the up track traffic being suspended due to the severity of the derailment. Railway divisional superintendent Sukkur Mahmoodur Rahman spoke about the suspension of services, underscoring the immense challenges faced by the authorities in restoring normalcy to the affected routes. Adding a harrowing twist to the calamity is the revelation that this very train had narrowly escaped a potential grave accident earlier in the year. The incident raises questions about the safety and maintenance standards of the railway system in Pakistan, prompting calls for a thorough investigation to prevent any recurrence of such tragedies in the future.
As the nation grapples with the loss of lives and the toll on the injured and their families, heartfelt condolences pour in from across the country and beyond. The devastating derailment of the Hazara Express serves as a stark reminder of the crucial need to prioritize safety measures and take stringent actions to ensure the well-being of railway passengers. In the wake of this heart-wrenching event, authorities are urged to conduct a comprehensive review of railway safety protocols, identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement necessary improvements to safeguard the lives of countless commuters who depend on the country’s rail networks.