ISLAMABAD: As many as twelve Army personnel, including Unit Commandant Lt. Colonel Amir, were martyred when four bogies of a special train derailed and fell into a canal near Jamke Chattha in Wazirabad on Thursday.
According to Director General ISPR, the train was carrying military troops to Kharian. He said the rescue and search operation is continued.
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and other senior Railways officers are also supervising the rescue operation. A spokesman of Pakistan Railways told media that more than twenty-five passengers have been rescued.
The train comprising six passenger compartments and 21 freight compartments was on its way from Sukkur Railways Division to Rawalpindi Railways Division.
Emergency has been declared in hospitals in Gujranwala while hospitals in Lahore have also been alerted in this regard.
The Spokesman said the inquiry team set up for the purpose will submit its report within twenty-four hours.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan expressed grief and sorrow over the train accident in Gujranwala.
The Prime Minister directed to mobilize all resources to rescue the injured and restoration of the track.
The Prime Minister also directed to provide medical aid to the injured and arrange their return to their destination points.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep grief and condolences with the families of army officers and ‘jawans’ as well as others who have embraced martyrdom in the train accident. DNA