12 die as train falls in canal near Gujranwala

GUJRANWALA: At least 12 people died and several others injured after engine and two bogies of a train fell into a canal near Gujranwala.

More than 25 passengers have been rescued by the divers of Pakistan Army and Rescue 1122.

According to details, two bogies of the train fell into the canal after the railway track bridge collapsed in Moza Chananwan area of Gujranwala. 12 people died and several others were injured in the incident.

Senior General Manager of Pakistan Railways, Javed Anwar said the engine driver and fireman were also rescued by the divers of Pakistan Army.

4 bogies of special train carrying mil troops to Kharian fell over bridge near Jamke Chattha in Canal. Rescue underway.Casualties expected

— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015

In another tweet, DG ISPR said 12 military men including Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Amir Jadoon have been martyred.

Also among the martyred are Jadoon's wife and two children, Colonel Rashid, Captain Adil, Lieutenant Kashif, Lance naik Zafar, Lance naik Islam, Lance naik Saleem, and Lance naik Babar Usman.

He further says eight bodies have been retrieved so far as the rescue operation is underway.

Update:Initial investigation,Railway Bridge collapsed.shaheed confirmed 12 including Comd of unit,Lt.col Amir.8 bodies found.Rescue contnues

— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 2, 2015

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and directed the authorities concerned to provide best treatment facilities to the injured passengers.