Wednesday, July 13, 2005 (Islamabad):
Three trains collided in a deadly chain-reaction in southern Pakistan, killing at least 100 people and injuring many others.
The mishap occurred at the Sarhad station, about 600 km from Karachi in the Sindh province, at 4:00 am today.
The Karachi Express from Lahore collided into the stationary Quetta Express, derailing at least 13 bogies.
Some bogies were even tossed up into the air and fell on the adjoining track.
The Karachi-Rawlipindi Tezgam Express passing through the station around the same time hit the debris and derailed.
Toll likely to rise
The incident is the country's worst crash in more than a decade.
Though the official death toll has been put at 100, the number of causalities could cross 300.
This is because many passengers are still trapped in badly mangled and twisted bogies.
Pakistan Railways General Manager Abdul Bhav told state-run PTV that 107 people were confirmed dead.
He also added that a few derailed bogies are being opened to extricate more bodies and to rescue those trapped.
NNI news agency quoting police officials said the death toll could be over 300.
A massive rescue operation is on with the help of the army which has also pressed six helicopters to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals.
Probe ordered
A Pakistan Railways official blamed a conductor for misreading a signal and rear-ending another passenger train.
About 1,000 people were believed to be travelling on the three trains.
Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf offered his condolences to the injured and the families of those killed.
He also promised that anyone guilty of negligence would be prosecuted.
Musharraf told state television that it was clear the incident was not sabotage and announced an immediate inquiry.
(With wire inputs)
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