At least 17 people were killed and 50 more were injured after two trains collided near the Pakistani city of Karachi early on Thursday, Geo News reported. The Zakaria Express collided with the Fareed Express in the town of Landhi at 7.18 am, according to the report. Three coaches of the Zakaria Express were completely destroyed because of the impact of the accident.
The incident reportedly occurred after the driver of the Zakaria Express was given a wrong signal. Eyewitnesses said the train crashed into the Fareed Express, which was stationary at the time. Many victims suffered injuries to their feet and heads, according to the witnesses. Officials said they were still counting the number of casualties, adding that up to 1,000 people could have been on board both trains when the accident occurred.
The crash also led to traffic jams, hampering rescue work and efforts to bring the injured to hospitals. All trains from Karachi were suspended following the incident. Thursday's crash was the second involving the Fareed Express. In February, eight people died after the train hit a van while travelling through a rail crossing.
Pakistan railways minister KS Rafique said he had received an initial inquiry report into the incident. Rafique said he was in touch with railway officials and that those responsible for the accident would be punished. "Really sad over [the] loss of precious souls," he said on Twitter. He announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the families of the dead and Rs 5 lakh for those injured.
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