GUJRANWALA, Pakistan: Four bogies of a special train derailed and fell into a canal near Punjab’s Gujranwala district on Thursday that left 12 army personnel including Unit Commandant Lt. Colonel Amir martyred.
In his twitter messages, the Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa told that the train was carrying military troops to Kharian when its four bogies fell over a bridge near Jamke Chattha in canal.
The DG ISPR said that the rescue and search operation continues.
4 bogies of special train carrying mil troops to Kharian fell over bridge near Jamke Chattha in Canal. Rescue underway.Casualties expected
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015
Update:Initial investigation,Railway Bridge collapsed.shaheed confirmed 12 including Comd of unit,Lt.col Amir.8 bodies found.Rescue contnues
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015
Meanwhile, a spokesman of Pakistan Railways said that more than 25 passengers have been rescued.
The spokesman said that the train comprising six passenger compartments and 21 freight compartments was on its way from Sukkur Railways Division to Rawalpindi Railways Division.
In addition, he said that the inquiry team set up for the purpose will submit its report within 24 hours.
The injured passengers have been shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Gujranwala where emergency has been declared in all hospitals. The hospitals in Lahore have also been alerted in this regard.
Captain Kashif embraced Shahdat in #Gujranwala Train Accident. May his soul rest in Peace! Ameen pic.twitter.com/dnkRSOG2Cq
— Sanam Baloch (@SanamBalochfans) July 2, 2015
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while expressing concerns on the train accident in Gujranwala directed to mobilize all resources to rescue the injured and restoration of the track.
The prime minister also directed to provide medical aid to the injured and arrange their return to their destination points.
