At least 15 people were killed and nearly 80 other injured when two trains collided in Pakistan early on Thursday.
Officials say the accident occurred in Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province after a passenger train rammed into a freight train that had stopped at a crossing point.
AFP news agency reports a senior Pakistani Railways official to say there were fears that the toll could rise even further as rescue teams continue to comb through the wreckage.
Pictures and video footage posted on social media show the damaged trains, with hundreds of people gathered around to offer help.
Local TV channel Aaj reported the Pakistani minister for railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, to say that an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
The injured people have been transported to hospitals nearby for medical treatment.
Following the crash, Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the affected families through his official Twitter handle.
“Saddened to learn of train accident in Sadiqabad. My condolences to the victims families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure & ensure safety standards,” he said.
Saddened to learn of train accident in Sadiqabad. My condolences to the victims families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure & ensure safety standards.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 11, 2019
