ISLAMABAD: Members of the international community on Monday extended condolences to Pakistan over the loss of lives in the train accident.
“We are deeply saddened to receive the news that as a result of a train crash in Ghotki district of Sindh province in Pakistan today more than 30 people have lost their lives and many others were injured,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Press Release Regarding the Train Crash in Southern Pakistan https://t.co/IGqh5rEZVH pic.twitter.com/QRteXC1yE8
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkey) June 7, 2021
The accident occurred when Millat Express, a passenger train plying Karachi to Sargodha, derailed and fell across the track. Within minutes, another passenger train, Sir Syed Express, which was en route to Karachi from Lahore, crashed into the first train’s fallen carriages, leaving a mangled wreck.
The accident, the latest in a series of train accidents that have raised serious questions about the safety of rail travel in the country, killed at least 32 passengers and injured 80 others.
“We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident, speedy recovery to those who were injured, and convey our condolences to the friendly Government and the brotherly people of Pakistan,” the statement said.
“We were saddened to hear of the #trainaccident in Ghotki district this morning,” the US mission tweeted.
We were saddened to hear of the #trainaccident in Ghotki district this morning. We express our deep condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish a speedy recovery for those who were injured.
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) June 7, 2021
“We express our deep condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish a speedy recovery for those who were injured.”
UK Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis said his “thoughts and prayers are with all those affected”.
Very saddened by this morning’s train collision in Northern Sindh. Distressing to see such a high reported death toll. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. I visited Ghotki and Daharki in March and remember the warmth of the welcome. @ukinpakistan
— Mike Nithavrianakis (@MikeNith1) June 7, 2021
The diplomat said he had visited Ghotki and Daharki in March and “remember the warmth of the welcome” he received there.
British Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations Lord Tariq Ahmad said his “thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families”.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families of the tragic two train collision today in #Ghotki Sindh Pakistan 🇵🇰 @ukinpakistan https://t.co/HzgzHr4MHl
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) June 7, 2021
Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour said her “thoughts are with the casualties and their loved ones”.
My thoughts are with the casualties and their loved ones from the horrific train collision near #Ghotki this morning. https://t.co/g6eLlOufiS
— Wendy Gilmour (@gilmour_wendy) June 7, 2021
“Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured,” wrote European Union ambassador Androulla Kaminara.
Very saddened to hear of the tragic #Ghotki #TrainAccident. Our condolences for the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/LsBf8vdgqJ
— Androulla Kaminara (@AKaminara) June 7, 2021
Australian High Commissioner Dr Geoffrey Shaw offered “deepest condolences”.
Saddened to hear about the heartbreaking #TrainAccident in #Ghotki, Sindh. My deepest condolences and prayers for the families of those affected by this tragedy. https://t.co/42aJEEG7xp
— Dr Geoffrey Shaw (@AusHCPak) June 7, 2021
Switzerland ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat offered “condolences to the families of the deceased and speedy recovery to the injured”.
Very saddened by this morning’s train collision in #Ghotki, Northern Sindh🇵🇰. Condolences to the families of the deceased and speedy recovery to the injured. https://t.co/RzJcEA71o8
— Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat (@SwissAmbPak) June 7, 2021
Train accidents are not infrequent in Pakistan due to poorly maintained railway signal systems and ageing tracks.
Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati said a high-level inquiry has been ordered to probe the cause of the collision. “It is too early to say whether the accident was due to sabotage or due to the dilapidated condition of the train track,” he said.
