Home

At least 65 dead in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames

At least 65 dead in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames

At least 65 people have died and many more are injured in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames.

The train erupted in a fireball after a gas canister being used to cook food exploded. The fire destroyed three of the train’s carriages near the town of Rahim Yar Khan in the south of Punjab province.

At least 65 dead in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames

Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told Geo TV: “Two cooking stoves blew up. They were cooking, they had (cooking) oil which added fuel to fire.

He added: “Most deaths occurred from people jumping off the train.”

At least 65 dead in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames

Officials have said many more people are injured, some in a critical condition.

Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid told AFP that more than 40 injured people were being transported to local hospitals.

Authorities have warned the death toll could still rise, with the military drafted in to help rescue efforts.

At least 65 dead in Pakistan after a packed passenger train blew up and burst into flames

People sneaking stoves onto trains in order to prepare meals on long journeys is a common problem, the minister said.

Facebook Comments:
Show More

Related Articles

Instagram
WhatsApp
Close