Special train carrying army troops falls in Gujranwala canal

GUJRANWALA: At least 12 people died and 85 were injured when four bogies of a special train carrying Pakistan military troops and their families to Kharian fell into a canal near Jamke Chattha in Gujranwala.

8 bodies have so far been recovered, officials told Geo News.

Four of the passenger bogies as well as the engine compartment fell as a bridge collapsed, derailing the train.

Railways officials said the rescue operation were still underway at the site of the incident despite nightfall.

“We cannot say anything at the moment about the cause of this incident. Sabotage cannot be ruled out either,” said senior Railways official Deputy DS Bilal Sarwar.

Earlier, DG ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa tweeted that Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Amir Jadoon was also among those killed in the incident.



Also among the martyred were Jadoon's wife and two children, Colonel Rashid, Captain Adil, Lieutenant Kashif, Lance Naik Zafar, Lance Naik Islam, Lance Naik Saleem, and Lance Naik Babar Usman.

Several passengers were said to be injured that were travelling on the train which was on its way to Kharian from Pannu Aqil when the bridge collapsed.

A relief train from Lahore was dispatched on the orders of Divisional Superintendent Pakistan Railways, which is carrying medical, mechanical as well as technical staff.

Also read: Railway Minister hints at 'sabotage'

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed grief over the accident and directed the Punjab government and relief services to provide all resources.

The PM added that the injured should be provided the best facilities.