Islamabad: At least 10 people were killed and 40 others injured on Thursday when a passenger train and a goods train collided in Pakistan's Punjab province.
The accident occurred around 4 a.m. at Walhar station when a passenger train entered a service line and collided with a freight train, Railway Ministry spokesperson Ali Nawaz Malik told media persons.
"There are 10 dead and 40 injured, but this is initial data - the figure could go up," said Malik.
The spokesperson attributed the causes of the accident to "human negligence" and "issues in signaling".
Jamil Ahmed, another government official, said hospitals declared an emergency and were receiving casualties from the collision site. He said some of thye injured were in critical
condition.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his grief over the accident and called for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"Saddened to learn of train accident in Sadiqabad. My condolences to the victims families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure and ensure safety standards," Khan said on Twitter.
Also Read: UK ambassador to US resigns following Trump row
The Prime Minister has also ordered authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the victims. Khan ordered Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad to "take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure" and ensure safety standards.
