Sheikhupura: Two die, 10 hurt as Karachi-bound train collides with oil tanker

SHEIKHUPURA: At least two people died and 10 others injured when a Karachi-bound train caught fire after collision with an oil tanker here on late Monday night, ARY News reported.

Train driver and Assistant driver died in result of the mishap. The deceased were identified as Abdul Latif and Abdul Hameed.

According to Railway officials, Shalimar Express left for Karachi from Lahore at 11:20 PM last night, collided with an oil tanker parked on track near Hiran Minar town of Sheikhpura district.

As result of collision, the engine, power plant, and five bogies of the train caught fire.

The rescue agencies workers immediately reached on the spot and engaged in extinguishing the fire. Three out of five bogies were completely destroyed in the blaze.

Eight fire tenders after two-hours long effort succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The rescue teams shifted the injured to DHQ hospital in Sheikhupura.  Emergency was declared in nearby hospitals in the wake of the mishap.

The railway sources claimed that the oil tanker was stopped at railway track as its axle broke moments before the collision.

The driver of the oil tanker and railway track personnel were taken into custody by police for investigation.

Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has expressed regret over the incident and assured action against railway staff if negligence by them found.

Later, an alternate train boarding the passengers left for Karachi.