12 killed as train carrying military troops fall into canal near Gujranwala
According to ISPR, the train was carrying military troops to Kharian.
GUJRANWALA (Web Desk) - At least twelve people including Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Amir were killed and several others injured when four compartments of a special train fell into canal while crossing a bridge near Gujranwala on Thursday afternoon, the DG ISPR reported.
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq has said that initial report of the investigation will be received today while complete report will be finalized within 72 hours. He said that army and Railways officers are holding inquiry into the matter. He said that the dead body of the driver of the train has not yet been found. He said that the bridge was declared fit in Novemeber in the inspection. He told that bridges are examined 4 times a year. "Senior army officials are also present at the scene", he added.
DG ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa confirmed the casualties in a message posted on Twitter:
Update:Initial investigation,Railway Bridge collapsed.shaheed confirmed 12 including Comd of unit,Lt.col Amir.8 bodies found.Rescue contnues
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015
4 bogies of special train carrying mil troops to Kharian fell over bridge near Jamke Chattha in Canal. Rescue underway.Casualties expected
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015
The army spokesperson further stated that the special train was carrying military troops to Kharian.
Railway Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique said that the Chanawan Bridge collapsed when the train was crossing it in Jamke Chatha area of Gujranwala district.
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Saad Rafique raised concerns that possibility of sabotage could not be ruled out in the tragedy as there were no apparent fault in both train and the bridge.
He said that another passenger train crossed bridge in the morning and at that time it was intact and fully functional.
The minister said that he has formed an inquiry committee to probe into the incident, adding he himself is on the way to the incident site for monitoring the rescue work.
Railway sources said that the train had 21 cargo and six passenger bogies out of which four fell into the canal.
So far, more than eighty passengers have been rescued and the injured persons have been shifted to the Combined Military Hospital.
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Pakistani army, residents and government rescue teams are taking part in the operation to pull out the stranded persons from the canal. An army helicopter and a crane are also taking part in the rescue operation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns on the tragic incident and directed the authorities to provide medical aid to the injured and arrange their return to their destination points.
He also ordered to mobilize all resources for restoration of the track.
