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22 Sikh pilgrims injured in Pakistan train accident

Nankana Sahib, Pakistan [WikiMedia/ Shagufta Karim.]

Srinagar: At least 22 people were killed and five others were injured after a passenger train crashed into a bus carrying Sikh pilgrims at an unmanned railway crossing in eastern Pakistan, reports said.

The incident took place on Friday in Sheikhupura district in Punjab province.

International media reports quoting officials said that pilgrims were from the northwestern city of Peshawar and were returning from the Sheikupura-based shrine of Nankana Sahib when the crash happened.

“The crossing was unmanned and the driver of the van took a hasty decision by driving onto the tracks,” Pakistan Railways spokeswoman Quratul Ain was quoted by AFP news agency as saying. He said the passengers were all Sikh pilgrims.

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan offered his condolences to the families of the victims. “[I] have directed relevant authorities to ensure facilitation and care for all the families. Our entire railway’s operational safety SOPs will be reviewed immediately,” Khan wrote on his twitter handle.

Reports also said that in this regard, Pakistan’s railway minister have called for an immediate investigation into the crash.

 

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