Lahore: At least 19 Sikh pilgrims were killed and many others critically injured in a collision between a passenger bus and train on Friday in Pakistan's Sheikhupura district, near Lahore.
As per details, the Shah Hussain Express train smashed into the bus carrying at least 25 Sikh pilgrims from Nankana Sahib to Lahore, after it came on the rail tracks and got stuck.
A Pakistan Railways' spokesperson said that the collision occurred at a railway crossing located between Farooqabad and Bahali Wala. It was reported that the Sikh devotees were travelling from Gurdwara Sacha Sauda from Peshawar, while the train was en route to Lahore from Karachi.
Hospital authorities confirmed that there were at least 60 injured being treated, adding that most of them were in critical condition. As per eyewitnesses, the railway crossing did not have any barriers to stop the traffic and keep the train tracks clear.
"The bus was stuck on the railway track and was hit hard by the train. The train dragged the vehicle to a good distance. Then the vehicle exploded," said an eyewitness. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Amir Hashmi said that most Sikhs killed in the collision were Pakistanis. The bus was carrying mostly Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad. They had come to Nankana Sahib from Peshawar. After staying in Nanakana Sahib, they were leaving for Peshawar. The ETPB security had escorted them till the limits of Nankana Sahib," Hashmi said.
The rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured to the district headquarters' hospital, a statement by the Railways Ministry said. The railways said a divisional engineer has been suspended from service and an inquiry has been launched. Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid has ordered authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the accident.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the accident and directed authorities to provide the best medical aid to the injured.
