Driver, assistant driver responsible for Karachi train collision

Pakistani railway workers repair the railway track alongside a mangled carriage at the site of a collision between two trains in Karachi on November 4, 2016-Photo AFP

KARACHI: The initial unofficial report of the train collision which claimed 22 lives on Thursday has placed blame on the driver and assistant driver.

According to the unofficial report, the driver of Zakaria Express ignored the red signal which led to the collision.

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique visited the site of the collision and said the tracks despite being old were in good working condition. The minister added criminal cases would be lodged against those involved.

Passengers of a train watch as railway workers repair the railway track at the site of a collision between two trains in Karachi on November 4-Photo AFP

Two trains collided in the city's Landhi area early Thursday morning, leaving at least 22 people dead and resulting in injuries to 65 others including children. 

The accident occurred in Gaddafi Town Landhi at 7:18 AM when Zakaria Express collided with the stationary Fareed Express. Two bogies of Fareed Express and one bogie of Zakaria Express were completely destroyed due to the collision.

All trains from Karachi have been suspended till rescue work is completed. Trains on their way to Karachi will be stopped at another station before they reach Landhi. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain expressed grief over the accident and offered their condolences to the families of the victims. President Mamnoon Hussain ordered investigation into the collision and announced financial help for the victims' families.