KARACHI: At least four people were killed and more than 30 others injured after several carriages of the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah railway station in Karachi, according to initial reports.
The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar when three to four carriages reportedly went off the tracks and overturned, trapping passengers inside.
Rescue teams launched emergency operations to evacuate those trapped in the overturned carriages. Meanwhile, injured passengers were being provided with medical assistance, while the bodies of the deceased were shifted to Nishtar Hospital, according to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson in Multan.
Railway authorities said rescue operations were under way as emergency responders continued efforts to reach affected passengers and assist the injured.
Following the incident, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over the derailment and offered condolences to the families of those killed. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure immediate assistance and necessary facilities for affected passengers.
Furthermore, the president called for a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the derailment and expressed sorrow over the injuries sustained by passengers. He directed the authorities to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure that the injured received immediate and the best possible medical treatment.
The cause of the derailment had not been established in the initial reports.
