At least six people have been killed and over 150 injured after the Awam Express travelling from Karachi to Peshawar collided with a freight train on Thursday, officials said.
Ten of the injured are believed to be in critical condition, while three people who were trapped inside carriages were rescued, Geo News quoted rescue workers as saying.
The accident, which took place near Bucch railway station in Multan's Sher Shah area located in the Punjab province, happened when a man was overrun by a freight train and the driver stopped it to take out the body, Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) Nadir Chattha said. Meanwhile, Awam Express that was heading on the same line collided with the stationary goods train.
Four bogies of the Awam Express overturned due to the collision. The engine and the power van were also destroyed.
Rescue services were delayed due to Eid holidays and darkness in the vicinity hampered the operation.
Authorities have declared emergency at Multan's Nishtar Medical Hospital and Shahbaz Sharif Hospital, the channel reported. Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr. Ashiq has appealed to citizens to donate blood to the injured.
An investigation has been ordered into the accident and all concerned authorities have been asked to reach the spot immediately.
