LODHRAN: Seven people, including five school children, lost their lives when a motorcycle-rickshaw collided with a train on Friday morning. 10 people sustained injuries in the accident.
According to reports, 15 children were travelling on the motorcycle-rickshaw to their school when the accident took place.
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has ordered a probe into the accident. The minister told media that those responsible for the death of these children would be brought to justice.
The accident apparently occurred because of poor visibility due to dense fog. The train’s driver, assistant and gateman have been detained by the police and are being interrogated as part of the probe regarding the accident.
According to media reports, the gate at the railway crossing was open at the time of the crash. Railway sources informed media that an electronic system is in place and if the gate is open, the oncoming train does not get a green signal.
The train in question, the Hazara Express, departed from the Lodhran station at 8:05 AM and the accident took place at 8:13 AM.
