A collision between a passenger train and a parked freight train in Pakistan's Punjab province has left 31 people injured. The incident occurred near the Qila Sattar Shah Station in the Sheikhupura district. The passenger train, en route to Lahore from Mianwali, was traveling on the same track as the stationary freight train, resulting in the collision. Despite the train driver's efforts to avoid the crash, it was unavoidable.
Rescue personnel reported that 31 passengers sustained injuries, with five of them being transferred to the district headquarters hospital. Railway officials have initiated an investigation into the crash. Despite the incident, train operations in the Lahore division are said to be running smoothly, with the affected track cleared, PTI reported.
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In response to the incident, four railway officials, including train driver Imran Sarwar and his assistant Muhammad Bilal, have been suspended. An inquiry commission, led by a deputy principal officer, has been established and is expected to submit its report within 24 hours. The railways chairman has pledged legal action against those found responsible for the collision.
CEO Railways Shahid Aziz emphasized that passenger safety will not be compromised, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring secure railway travel. Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the incident and called for accountability regarding those responsible.
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The collision serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan's aging rail system, which has witnessed several deadly accidents in the past decade. In August of this year, a tragic derailment of the Havelian-bound Hazara Express near Sahara Railway Station in Sindh province resulted in 56 fatalities and a dozen injuries.
