At least 20 people were killed and 10 injured when a coaster carrying Sikh pilgrims collided with a train at an unmanned level crossing in Sheikhupura on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The ill-fated vehicle was going to Peshawar from Nankana Sahib to Peshawar when it collided with Shah Alam Express on Jaatri Road near Farooqabad. Two children are also stated to be among the dead.

According to a Pakistan Railways spokesperson, the Lahore-bound Shah Alam Express coming from Karachi hit the coaster at 1:30 pm.

Soon after receiving information, the rescue workers reached the scene and started shifting the injured to hospitals and recovering the bodies from the wreckage.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Railways staff also rushed to the site and started repairing the track to resume train service.

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident and directed the authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.

https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1279013215104643073

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed grief on the loss of precious lives in today’s tragic train accident near Sheikupura, said ISPR.

“Condolences to the bereaved families, prayers for early recovery of injured,” said the COAS.

On the other hand, the Railways spokesperson said the responsible staff were immediately suspended but did not give any further details about them.

Similarly, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid too ordered an immediate inquiry and a strict action against those responsible for the tragedy.

Unfortunately, collisions between the vehicles and trains at railway level crossings are routine news in Pakistan. Most of these crossing are either unmanned or have a poor communication system.

In one of such incidents, the poor system of Pakistan Railways claimed more lives as four family members were killed after their car was hit by a train in Pattoki on the third day of Eid (May 26).