Rafique says report of Multan train crash to be issued in 72 hours

LAHORE: Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday said the report of the train accident in Shujabad, which left at least six people dead, will be issued within next 72 hours.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives and injuries to over 150 people, the minister directed the Pakistan Railways administration to prepare a detailed inquiry report on the accident.

He said the incident appears to have been caused due to negligence of the train driver for after the installation of latest signal system it was beyond doubt that the accident occurred due to a faulty signal.

Rafique said it was responsibility of the railways administration to help the wounded passengers reach their destinations after proper provision of medical treatment.

He also directed the administration to carry bodies of the deceased passengers to their hometowns.

The passengers of Karachi-bound Awam Express which met the accident were now on their way to Karachi via Khanewal, he added.

He said the rescue and relief operation for the accident victims started right in accordance with the railways' standard operating procedures (SOPs), however, other rescue organizations and district police also worked the whole night.

Speaking to Geo News, Rafique denied reports suggesting that the train driver had fled, saying that he is under custody of the officials.

Compensation for victims

He said, as provided in the Pakistan Railways manual, Rs0.8 million will be paid to the heirs of each deceased and Rs0.3 million to every wounded person of Multan train crash.

The minister said that every passenger of Pakistan Railways is considered insured once he stepped in and is paid proper compensation in case of an accident.

Earlier, at least six people were killed and over 150 injured after a Karachi-bound Awam Express collided with a freight train near Multan in wee hours of Thursday.

The incident took place near Bucch railway station in Sher Shah area, some 25 kilometers from here.

The accident occurred when a man was reportedly overrun by a freight train and the driver stopped the train to take out the body, said DCO Nadir Chattha.

Fifteen minutes later, the Karachi-bound Awam Express, heading on the same line, collided with the stationary goods train.