PR registers FIR over Okara collision

An investigation team has placed the blame for Thursday's collision of two freight trains at Renala Khurd on three Pakistan Railways employees: the station master, the guard of the preceding train, and the driver of the following train.

Two freight trains collided on the eastern bypass between the Renala Khurd and Habibabad areas in Okara district of Punjab on September 11, resulting in the death of a Pakistan Railways employee — assistant driver Imtiaz from the Lahore shed and causing injuries to another.

According to rescue officials, the engine — No AGE 30-6015 — was destroyed in the collision while several wagons were either overturned or derailed causing suspension of the train operations between Karachi and Lahore on the Mainline One.

The team on Friday released its report holding three PR employees responsible for the tragedy

It said the station master cleared the track without ensuring the first train had fully passed. The guard failed to take safety measures or inform authorities while the driver ignored caution orders, oversped, and did not notice the load on the line.

The preliminary report has been sent to Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, who ordered a detailed inquiry. In view of the report, the PR registered a first information report (FIR) against the officials under sections 320, 427, 109 PPC and 101/129.