Special train carrying army troops falls in Gujranwala canal

GUJRANWALA: At least 12 people have died as four bogies of a special train carrying Pakistan military troops and their families to Kharian fell into a canal near Jamke Chattha in Gujranwala.

Two of the passenger bogies as well as the engine compartment fell as a bridge collapsed, derailing the train.

DG ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa tweeted that 12 military personnel have been martyred, including Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Amir Jadoon.

Also among the martyred are Jadoon's wife and two children, Colonel Rashid, Captain Adil, Lieutenant Kashif, Lance naik Zafar, Lance naik Islam, Lance naik Saleem, and Lance naik Babar Usman.

DG ISPR further said that eight bodies have been found so far as the rescue operation is underway.

Several passengers are said to be injured that were travelling on the train which was on its way to Kharian from Pano Aqil when the bridge collapsed.

A relief train from Lahore was dispatched on the orders of Divisional Superintendent Pakistan Railways, which is carrying medical, mechanical as well as technical staff.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed grief over the accident and directed the Punjab government and relief services to provide all resources.

The PM added that the injured should be provided the best facilities.