Sheikhupura train accident: Probe reveals oil tanker’s axle malfunctioned

LAHORE: Initial investigation into the Sheikhupura train incident has revealed that the axle of the oil tanker which collided with the train had malfunctioned, leading to the collision between the two.

At least two people were killed and 10 injured as Karachi-bound passenger train Shalimar Express collided with an oil tanker leading to a huge explosion late Monday night.

The engine and five bogies of the train, including the luggage compartment, and a power plant caught fire in the accident. 

According to the gatekeeper stationed at the level crossing, he was closing the crossing for the arriving train when the oil tanker came to a halt on the tracks. At this, he quickly signalled the train to stop, however, it was unable to stop in time, causing the collision.

The driver, meanwhile, said that his vehicle’s axle had malfunctioned while driving on the tracks, which forced it to come to a halt. He pleaded that he was not responsible for the accident but rather the malfunctioning tanker.

The tanker was carrying 60,000 liters of petrol, which caused a huge explosion after the collision.

Police authorities said that the initial investigation report of the incident will be completed in the next 24 hours.

According to eyewitnesses, the railways staff was not responsible for the accident. "He (a railway employee) kept shouting and even called from the wireless device when the tanker was stuck on the track," an eyewitness said.

Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Javed Anwar Bobak announced compensation for the families of driver Abdul Lateef and his assistant, Abdul Hameed, both of whom lost their lives in the accident. Anwar announced a compensation of Rs2 million for the family of Lateef and Rs1.7 million for Hameed. One offspring of each of them will also be provided employment by the railways, the CEO said.