En route to Pindi: Train disaster averted

Train driver stopped the train and informed the local administration about a suspected object on the track.

QUETTA:

The Jaffar Express escaped a major blast at Kolpur railway station on Saturday.

According to Balochistan Levies, the train was en route to Rawalpindi from Quetta, when the railway maintenance staff informed the train driver about a suspected object on the tracks at Kolpur railway station.

“The train driver stopped the train and informed the local administration about it,” said Levies official Abdul Karim.

The Levies forces and local administration, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) rushed to the spot and defused the bomb.

“At least 15 kg of explosive material, and a rocket planted in the track were recovered,” said a BDS official.

The train was carrying around 700 people, who were going to their native towns for Eid celebrations. In case of an explosion, there would have been a staggering loss of lives. The train was halted for two hours to assure security, after which it was allowed to proceed.

A case has been registered against unidentified persons and investigation opened.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2012.