A train carrying soldiers in Pakistani province of Punjab has plunged into a canal killing several people and inuring others. Early reports say that as many as 12 people have died in this accident with most being Pakistani soldiers.
The incident took place near Wazirabad, where four coaches of a special army train dived into a canal.
A statement issued by Pakistani military said that four carriages derailed as the train crossed Chanawan Bridge.
Military spokesman Asim Bajwa tweeted that eight bodies, including “Lieutenant Colonel Amir”, the commander of a unit, had so far been recovered while a further four people were missing.
The minister for railways, Khwaja Saad Rafiq, said, “There were around 300 passengers on board. It is too early to say about the reason for the mishap. Rescue work is under way.”
Rescue officers said among those killed in this accident also included the wife of the commanding officer, a Major and a Captain of Pakistani army.
Pakistani railways’ Rauf Khan said a sabotage couldn’t be ruled out adding that the train’s engine and a coach were still submerged in the water.
Khan also added that this railway track was inspected sometime ago and the officials had declared it ‘satisfactory.