19 Sikh pilgrims killed in bus-train collision in Pakistan

Lahore Bus got stuck on tracks at a railway crossing in Sheikhupura city of Punjab

At least 19 Sikh pilgrims were killed and many others critically injured in a collision between a passenger bus and train on Friday in Pakistan's Sheikhupura district, near Lahore.
As per reports, the Shah Hussain Express train smashed into the bus carrying at least 25 Sikh pilgrims from Nankana Sahib to Lahore, after it came on the rail tracks and got stuck.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson said that the collision occurred at a railway crossing located between Farooqabad and Bahali Wala.
It was reported that the Sikh devotees were travelling from Gurdwara Sacha Sauda to Peshawar, while the train was enroute to Lahore from Karachi.
Hospital authorities confirmed that there were at least 60 injured being treated, adding that most of them were in critical condition.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief at the incident and ordered the best possible medical facilities to the victims.
Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident.
As per eyewitnesses, the railway crossing did not have any barriers to stop the traffic and keep the train track clear.
"The bus was stuck on the train track and was hit hard by the train. The train dragged the vehicle to a good distance. Then the vehicle exploded," said an eyewitness.
The accident occurred around 1.30pm at a crossing near Sheikhupura. Following the accident, the divisional engineer was suspended by the railway ministry.
The victims included women and children.
The police official also denied that the crossing was unmanned and said the gate was closed. He said apparently the driver tried to take a shortcut instead of waiting at the crossing, which resulted in the crash.
Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee secretary-general Sardar Amir Singh said the deceased belong to three or four families.

• Pakistan