Aftermath of Pakistan train collision, many killed, injured

Two express trains collided in southern Pakistan early Monday, killing at least 30 passengers, authorities said, as rescuers and villagers worked to pull injured people and more bodies from the wreckage.

Between 15 to 20 passengers were still trapped in the wreckage of the Millat Express train on Monday morning, and authorities were trying to arrange heavy machinery for the rescue operation, a local police chief said.

Ambulances transported injured passengers to hospital where they received treatment. Some were listed in critical condition.

The Millat Express derailed and the Sir Syed Express train hit it soon afterward, said Usman Abdullah, a deputy commissioner in Ghotki. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the derailment and the subsequent collision.

Abdullah said so far 30 people had died.

According to railway officials, about 1,100 passengers were on board the two trains, and arrangements were being made to help the surviving passengers.

Officials at Pakistan railways said they had ordered an investigation and rescue work was still in progress.

Authorities said troops had also arrived at the scene of the accident to participate in the rescue work.

Malik Aslam, a local villager, told Pakistan's Geo News TV that about 100 people were injured and he counted at least 30 bodies of passengers during the rescue and recovery work.

Train accidents are common in Pakistan, where successive governments have paid little attention to improving the poorly maintained signal system and aging tracks.