Pakistan train crash: Death toll increases to 16 and more than 80 reported injured in Punjab

Dubai: Yet another fatal train crash within a month has left 16 passengers dead and more than 80 injured in Sadiqabad - a city in Southern Punjab of Pakistan.

Emergency crew including the army took part in the rescue operation.

The accdient happened in early hours of Thursday when Akbar Express travelling from Quetta to Lahore collided with a stationary freight train at the Walhar Railway Station in Sadiqabad Tehsil of Punjab province.

Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the victims and said he was saddened by the news.

The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals of Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar Khan for treatment where an emergency has been declared, Geo Tv reported.

The DPO Salamat said rescue operation is underway and hydraulic cutters have been called at the site to retrieve dead bodies. A control room and helpline has established. Officials say they fear more casualties in the accident

Earlier on June 20, at least three people had died in a fatal train accident after a freight train had collided with a passenger train near Hyderabad.

In his tweet, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed condolences to the families of the train cash vicitms. "Saddened to learn of train accident in Sadiqabad. My condolences to the victims families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have asked Railways Minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure & ensure safety standards.

Imran also ordered Railways Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad to "take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure" and ensure safety standards.

Pakistan's Railway Ministery Shaikh Rashid Ahmed has expressed sorrow on the accident and has ordered an immediate inquiry.