At least 12 Pakistani soldiers, including the commander of a unit, were killed today when four bogies of a special train carrying military troops fell into a canal in Punjab Province after the bridge it was passing over collapsed partially.
Four bogies of the train fell into the canal near Gujranwala after a section of the Head Chanawa bridge collapsed while the train was passing by the area. The train was en route from Punno Akal to Kharian Cantt in Gujrat city.
"4 bogies of special train carrying military troops to Kharian fell over bridge near Jamke Chattha in Canal. Rescue underway," Lt Gen Asim Bajwa, Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), tweeted.
"Initial investigation, railway bridge collapsed. Shaheed confirmed 12 including Comd of unit, Lt col Amir. 8 bodies found," he said.
According to a statement issued by the army, 80 passengers have been rescued so far, of which five were injured.
The pre-partition bridge was reportedly in dilapidated condition.
However, Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has not ruled out a terror angle to the accident.
"Possibility of sabotage can not be ruled out in the tragedy," he said.
Rafique said the intelligence agencies have launched investigation into the incident.
Sources told PTI that some senior army officers and officials of other wings were also travelling on the train.
Army rescue teams, Corps Commander and divers reached the site of the accident, launching a massive rescue operation.
"Almost 200 people were travelling on the train," said SSP Waqas Nazir.
The canal has been closed to carryout the rescue operation, he said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the incident and directed authorities to mobilise all resources to rescue the injured and restore the track.
The premier directed medical aid to be given to the injured and assure safe return to their destinations.
