Sadiqabad railway accident
2019 train collision in Pakistan
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The Sadiqabad railway accident occurred on 11 July 2019 in Rahim Yar Khan District, Punjab, Pakistan. The Quetta-bound Akbar Express collided with a cargo rake at Walhar railway station (parked at the passing loop), due to improper handling of the track switching mechanism.[1][2][3][4] The accident took place around 4:30 a.m. (Pakistan Standard Time), about 35 kilometres (22 mi) south of the district headquarters of Rahim Yar Khan and the train engines were completely destroyed.[2][3]
4:30 am
| Sadiqabad rail accident | |
|---|---|
| |
  Location within Pakistan | |
| Details | |
| Date | 11 July 2019 4:30 am |
| Location | Walhar railway station, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab |
| Coordinates | 28.2015°N 69.9906°E |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 2 |
| Deaths | 24 |
Relief operations were launched immediately and a medical emergency was declared at nearby hospitals.[5][4] An inquiry has been ordered and proportionate compensation for the victims were announced by the railway ministry.[6][7] Whilst the unaffected coaches of the train left for its destination, regular traffic along the stretch of ML1 route was suspended.[2][5]
President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political leaders offered their condolences;[8] the opposition noted such accidents to be a recurring event in the recent past and sought for the resignation of the incumbent Rail Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad.[7][9][10]
Twenty-four passengers were killed.[11]