Pakistan train collision: Tragedy brings forth parlous state of public transportation in country

Two passenger trains collided in Pakistan's southern Sindh Province killing at least 63 people.

Two passenger trains collided in Pakistan's southern Sindh Province killing at least 63 people. (Photo | AP) 

The accident occurred when the Millat Express train from Karachi to Sargodha derailed and fell on the opposite track and collided with Sir Syed Express, which was headed to Karachi from Rawalpindi. (Photo | AFP)

The collision, in which bogies of the Millat Express train overturned, took place near Dharki, a city located in the Ghotki district of upper Sindh. (Photo | AFP)

The double accident happened around 3:30 am when most of the 1,200 passengers aboard the two trains would have been asleep. (Photo | AFP)

Sir Syed Express train's driver Aijaz Shah, said that he was rescued by locals after two hours of the collision. (Photo | AFP)

Shah explains that the train was running at its normal speed when he suddenly saw the derailed bogies of the Millat Express train at the track. Due to the short distance, the train rammed into the derailed bogies of Millat Express, leading to the accident. (Photo | AFP)

The Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Rangers reached the spot for rescue efforts. (Photo | AFP)

Army engineers and specialist teams were also airlifted from Rawalpindi to aid the efforts. Two helicopters were flown from Multan for casualty evacuations. (Photo | AFP)

The accident has reignited debate about the parlous state of Pakistan's public transport system. (Photo | AFP)

Train accidents are common in Pakistan and dozens of people lose their lives every year. The railways have seen decades of decline due to graft, mismanagement, and lack of investment. (Photo | AFP)

Army and civil engineers have cleared much of the wreckage of carriages crushed like tin cans in the collision, and welders were finalising repairs to the damaged rails. (Photo | AFP)

Reacting to the train accident, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he was 'shocked by the horrific train accident'. (Photo | AP)