2 killed in train-oil tanker collision in Pakistan

Islamabad: At least two persons were killed today and 14 others injured after an express train collided with an oil tanker at a railway crossing in Pakistan's eastern province of Punjab, officials said.

The mishap occurred when the Karachi-bound Shalimar Express train collided with the tanker stuck on the railway crossing in Shaikhupura.

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique confirmed the accident and toll, saying a probe has been launched to fix the responsibility for the tragedy in which the train driver and his assistant were killed.

"The driver of the tanker has been arrested," he said.

At least 14 passengers were injured but none of them fatally, officials said.
An eye-witness told the Geo TV that an oil tanker was crossing the railway line but it broke down in the middle, blocking the track.

Officials said that at least five carriages caught fire and fire engines battled the blaze for hours to control it.

A newly-wed couple were among the survivors, which also included women and children.

"There was a huge bang and then fire. We jumped out of the window to escape," a passenger told the local media.

Train accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of them are caused due to unmanned or ungated crossings in the country.

In January, a motorised rickshaw was hit by a train when it was trying to cross the track ahead of a speeding train.

At least seven school children were killed in the accident which occurred in Lodhran area of Punjab