17 die, 42 hurt in train collision

KARACHI At least 17 people were killed and over 42 others injured when a Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express rammed into a goods train near Jumma Goth Station next to Landhi Railway Station on Tuesday morning.
The collision was so intense that first two economy class coaches were badly damaged, resulting in deaths and injuries to passengers who included women and children as well. Soon after the collision, the people from nearby localities rushed to the scene of accident and started rescue work, and in the meantime, rescue workers from different organisations besides police, rangers and administration officials also reached the site. As many as 60 injured were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) where doctors pronounced the death of 17 including five women and four children.
SP Railway Muzafar Sheikh confirmed the death of 17 people and said 42 people were injured in the incident. He said the cause of the accident would be revealed after arrest of driver Jam Rasool Bux who managed to flee from the scene. The collision reportedly occurred due to the negligence of the local railway staff as the green signal was given to the upcoming train, while SP Sheikh declined the reports.
JPMC Emergency In-Charge Dr Simi Jamali confirmed that some 17 people were killed and more than 42 others wounded were rushed to the hospital. Dr Jamali feared that the death toll would rise as some of the injured were in critical condition. The rescue operation was being carried out till filing of this report. It was also learnt that four bodies had been stuck in the train, and rescuers were trying to fish them out.
Meanwhile the up-country railway traffic from Karachi was suspended because of relief work at the site.