30 dead in train-bus collision near Rohri

At least 30 people died and many others sustained injuries when a Hyderabad-bound train collided with a passenger bus near Rohri Railway Station in Sukkur, 24News reported late Friday.

Sukkur Commissioner Shafique Ahmed Mahesar confirmed death of 30 people. However, Provincial Minister for Transport Awais Shah said 19 people died in the incident. The train was heading to Hyderabad from Dadu when it had the accident in Sukkur.

Emergency service officials, police and locals reached the scene and started relief activities. The injured were shifted to Sukkur Civil Hospital for treatment. Hospital staff faced difficulties in treating injured people as the health facility was without electricity and used phone lights to do emergency surgeries.

The reason for the accident was said to be absence of the gatekeeper from duty at the level crossing. It was a manned level crossing and supposed to be closed at the time of the train’s passing. Moreover, the passenger bus got stuck on the track. As a result, the train rammed into the bus, killing at least 30 and injuring many others.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the incident and directed the Sindh government to ensure best medical facilities to the injured at the hospital. He put a question mark on performance of the Railways Ministry and said train accidents were taking place every other day.

Criticising Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bilawal said that PTI rulers did not feel for ordinary people of the country.