JIT determining cause of Gujranwala train speeding: Saad Rafique

LAHORE: Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Monday that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) is still trying to determine the exact causes of the Gujranwala train accident including the reasons behind speeding of the train.

Addressing a press conference at the Pakistan Railway Headquarters, he went on to say that the JIT will hopefully submit its complete findings in a report by Thursday.

Rafique added that the JIT is working independently and is asking for a few more days.

The Minister for Railways further said that the Chanawa Bridge was completely fit for use, adding that even after the accident, the engine of the train destroyed one of the pillars only, while all other pillars of the bridge are intact.

He went on to say that it is clearly evident that the train derailed, however, it is still being investigated whether the fish plates and nuts and bolts found were opened due to derailment or opened intentionally.

The minister also said that it is being investigated why the driver was speeding as the train was supposed to halt at a stop before the bridge but it did not.

He added that any mechanical faults are also being probed.