Pakistan train mishap: Death toll increased to 73, many injured

GUWAHATI: In a shocking incident, a train travelling through Punjab province in Pakistan caught fire, injuring many on board on Thursday.

The death toll reported being increased to 73 after the train caught fire following a gas cylinder explosion. According to reports, the incident occurred in Liaquatpur, near Rahim Yar Khan of Punjab province when the train on its way to Lahore from Karachi.

According to sources, the injured were being taken by ambulance to the city of Multan. Another train has been dispatched to take survivors on to Rawalpindi. The death toll is assumed to increase more in number with at least 40 more people injured and many in critical condition.

Expressing his grief, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims' families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis."

As per sources, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said, "Two cooking stoves blew up. They were cooking, they had (cooking) oil which added fuel to fire. He also added that the rescue operation is going on with the efforts to restore the railway line. The track is expected to be functional within two hours.

Many passengers were mostly pilgrims, heading to Raiwind near Lahore for one of Pakistan's largest annual religious congregations, organized by Tablighi Jamaat Sunni Muslim missionary movement.

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