13 injured as Quetta-bound Jaffar Express derails near Gujranwala

Initial reports stated passengers had remained safe in the accident

[brid video="133805" player="7247" title="13 injured as Quettabound Jaffar Express derails near Gujranwala"]

At least thirteen people were injured as some bogies of Jaffar Express, en route Quetta from Peshawar, derailed near Gujranwala on Tuesday, reported Radio Pakistan.

PHOTO: ISPR

Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique expressed his grief over the incident. Authorities were directed to speed up relief activities. Rafique said passengers should be provided immediate relief and the track should be cleared. If needed, an alternative train will also be arranged for the passengers.

Railway officials, including CEO Railways Javed Anwar, are said to be present at the control room and monitoring the situation.

PHOTO: ISPR

The spokesperson of Pakistan Railways said that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident.



Train accidents are not uncommon in the country.

Last September at least four people were killed and more than 100 injured when the Karachi-bound Awami Express passenger train rammed into a goods train. At least 159 people were killed and over 100 injured in November 2015 when when Jaffar Express derailed near Aab-e-Gum area of Bolan district in Balochistan.