PM Imran orders immediate inquiry into Tezgam fire incident

PM Imran directs best medical treatment to Tezgam Express fire victims

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday has expressed his deep grief over the loss of precious lives in Tezgam Express fire incident that occurred near Talwari Station in Rahim Yar Khan. According to details, the premier has extended his condolences to the bereaved families and also directed the concerned authorities to ensure best medical treatment to the victims.

Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims  families & prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 31, 2019

PM Imran has also ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter. Earlier today, several passengers were killed while scores sustained burn injuries as three carriages of a Tezgam Express caught fire due to explosion in a gas stove with cylinder near Talwari Station in Liaquatpur area when preachers belonging to the Tableeghi Jamaat were cooking breakfast. Firefighters extinguished the fire whereas the affected carriages were also detached by the rest of the train. 

Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed told the media, “Two cooking stoves blew up. They (passengers) were cooking, they had cooking oil which added fuel to fire. Most deaths occurred from people jumping off the train.”

Pakistan Army soldiers also assisted in relief and rescue efforts, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Asif Ghafoor. An army helicopter was dispatched from Multan in order to airlift the injured to the hospitals, the statement stated.

Pakistan’s colonial-era railway network has fallen into disrepair in recent decades due to chronic under-investment and poor maintenance.