Passengers jump from moving train

SUKKUR: Passengers of the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express jumped from the moving train after three of its coaches caught fire near Daharki Railway Station Saturday.

The train was on its way to Karachi from Lahore. As soon as it neared Daharki Railway station, a fire broke out in three of its bogeys. The driver used emergency brakes but several passengers jumped out in panic.

There was a stampede inside the train as people hurried to leave their cabins but no casualties or injuries were reported.

The fire department was called immediately but they managed to control the flames after struggling for two hours. The three coaches were completely burned and were detached from the train before it re-embarked on its destination.

Fire department officials said that the fire may have been caused by an electric short circuit but the railway department has yet to confirm the cause.

Pakistan Railways Sukkur division’s superintendent, Roshan Ali Mangi, confirmed that three bogeys of the Tezgam Express were destroyed in the fire. He added that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate. The committee will submit its report on Monday.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2010.