1 Dead, 27 Injured in Pakistani Train Derailment

1 dead, 27 injured in Pakistani train derailment

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) — At least one was killed and 27 others injured on Saturday morning when a passenger train derailed in southwestern Pakistan, Minister of State for Railways Ishaq Khakwani said.

The Karakuram Express was heading to Lahore, the capital of central Punjab province from the southern port city of Karachi, when 10 of its coaches derailed near the town of Samasatta, about 500 kilometers southwest of Islamabad, said the State Minister.

“Sabotage might have caused the derailment, Khakwani said, adding “nuts and bolts were found near the track which shows that some saboteurs have opened them.”

Khakwani noted that an inquiry had been ordered and the report will be made to the public.

Senior railway official Mushtaq Jadoon said “the train was in good condition and there was no technical fault.”

It is the second train crash within a week.

A passenger train derailed last Sunday near the eastern city of Jhelum, killing at least three people and injuring 50 others.

Railway officials have also described the previous accident as a sabotage act. Several suspects have been arrested after the accident.