A Horrific Train Accident Results In The Death Of 22 Sikh Pilgrims In Pakistan
While it might be tempting to try to outrun a train at a railroad crossing to avoid having to wait, it’s never a good idea. Based on sheer size and weight, in a collision between a motor vehicle and a locomotive, the train almost always wins.
The Houston Chronicle reports that such a crash between a passenger train and a bus carrying Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan last week claimed the lives of 22 people and left many more injured.
The crash happened on Friday, July 3rd, in the Sheikhupura district of Punjab Province when Sikh Pilgrims from the city of Peshawar were returning from a pilgrimage to the shrine of Nankana Sahib in Sheikhupura.
According to a statement issued by the Sheikhupura government spokesperson, Asghar Joya, investigators believe that the bus driver attempted to get the bus across a railroad crossing before the train reached it, but the bus got stalled and didn’t make it across the tracks.
Officials say that 20 people were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Those who were injured were transported to a hospital in Lahore. Two more people died from the injuries they sustained in the crash, increasing the death toll to 22.
The accident is still under investigation agencies both in the Punjabi Province and the Pakistani government.
An official statement was issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistani President Arif Ali expressing grief and condolences for the lives that were lost and ordering local officials to provide the best treatment and care for those who were injured in the tragic crash.