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17 killed in Karachi train collision

* Railways official says passenger train driver ignored red signal

KARACHI: At least 17 people were killed and 42 others wounded when the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express collided with a freight train near Jumma Goth, Landhi, on the outskirts of Karachi on Tuesday.

Blaming the driver of the Allama Iqbal Express for the incident, Pakistan Railways Superintendent of Police Muzaffar Sheikh said the driver had ignored a red signal when the freight train, Super Parcel Goods Train, was signalled to take the main track.

Jam Rasool Bux, the accused driver, fled after the incident. “We are looking for the driver and Karachi division officials are in touch with the Sukkur division, where the driver was employed,” he said, adding that the rescue operation was still underway. A bogey of Allama Iqbal Express was completely destroyed and two others were damaged in the collision. Hundreds of rescuers, including locals, members of private welfare organisations such as Edhi and Chippa, railway officials, Karachi police, Rangers and the Pakistan Army’s electrical, mechanical and engineering teams rushed to the scene to rescue the victims. Ambulances shifted the victims to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, which is located some 30 kilometres from the scene. As a result, some critically injured victims could not make it to the hospital. Dr Seemi Jamali of the JPMC confirmed the death of 17 passengers, including women and children, and said most victims had been discharged after treatment. A four-member inquiry committee has been formed to probe the incident. faraz khan

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