Over 60 passengers killed as Tezgam train catches fire near RYK: Live updates

Over 65 passengers killed as Tezgam train catches fire near RYK: Live updates

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  At least 65 passengers were killed and many others  injured when an express train caught fire near the city area of Liaquatpur, officials     said on Thursday.

The train,  Tezgam, was on its way from Karachi to Rawalpindi, when a gas cylinder of passengers exploded. 

The fire was caused by the explosion in a gas cylinder, confirmed the Pakistan Railway officials.

Also read: Names of passengers injured in train fire near Rahim Yar Khan

Identities of the deceased were not known . An official said at 16 bodies were charred beyond recognition.  

Medics say identification of the deceased would be carried out through DNA testing .

Officials said the   fire engulfed  two economy class   bogies   and most of the passengers  got up from Hydrabad.

The coach where the cylinder blasted was booked by the Taleeghi Jamaat’s men. They were boiling eggs on the gas stove to have breakfast when it exploded with a huge blast. After the explosion, the raging fire engulfed two other coaches also.

The fire tenders and other emergency teams  immediately rushed to the site and carried out the rescue operation. Bodies and injured were shifted to  the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ).

The firefighters were deployed to extinguish the fire. Pakistan Army contingents have also been dispatched to the area to take part in rescue and relief activities. An Army Aviation Helicopter  was airlifting the injured  from the site of the incident.

The affected bogies have been separated from the train, said the PR official. 

Aijaz Ahmad, CEO Pakistan Railways, told media  that  the train schedule will not be affected by the sad  incident.

In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in  the accident. PM Imran  ordered to provide best possible healthcare facilities to the injured.

Khan also tendered his condolences towards the families whose loved ones died  the mishap.

Railways Minister puts blame on passenger

Sheikh Rashid blamed the passengers for the tragedy, saying Railways was not at fault.

He said an inquiry would be conducted to figure out how the passengers carried the gas cylinders. 

Emergency contacts 

More information about the incident can be obtained through helpline number 0300-8060780 while an emergency center has been established at Karachi railway station which can be contacted through telephone number 091-99213506.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/548857-tezgam-train-gas-cylinder-blast-claims-10-lives-near-rahim-yar-khan