Four people were injured as a locomotive carrying furnace oil rammed into a goods train from behind near the border between Sindh's Thatta and Jamshoro districts, suspending railway traffic from Karachi and Hyderabad for up and down country.

Railways Station House Officer Kotri Asad Unar told DawnNews that four people, including the driver of the train transporting oil, sustained injuries in the collision. However, no deaths have been reported so far.

According to chief controller, Qazi Atique, "Around 22 bogies were damaged or affected, 16 wagons capsized, four were derailed and another four were badly damaged as a result of accident."

A site of the crash. — Umair Rajput
A site of the crash. — Umair Rajput

Consequently, a large number of train passengers have been left stranded at Karachi and Hyderabad railway stations. Railway authorities anticipate that by 5pm one of the track would be cleared in order to resume train operations.

Passengers affected by the crash have been given full refund of their tickets by railway authorities. Pakistan Railways management has decided to start train operations form Hyderabad, where according to station master, Shamsuddin, first upcountry train namely Pakistan would leave Hyderabad at 3.15pm, followed by Allama Iqbal at 4:30pm, Pak Business at 5:50pm and Karakorum at 6:15pm.

A crane is deployed to clean the wreckage. — Umair Rajput
A crane is deployed to clean the wreckage. — Umair Rajput

Heavy machinery, including cranes, is being used to clear the wreckage of the wagons; furnace oil also spilled over the tracks after the accident.

The operation is being supervised by deputy superintendent railway Karachi division Nisar Memon.

Memon said rescue work is underway and could take at least 15 hours to be completed.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...