Two die as Lahore Express derails

Railway officials have confirmed two deaths in derailment of 108-down Lahore Express near Domeli, Jhelum, while huge casualties are feared as six bogies have fallen into a deep ravine.
Rescue operation was on, while emergency was declared and railway traffic has been stopped, said Hameed Razi, Divisional Transportation Officer Pakistan Railways when contacted by this scribe.
He said that Chairman Railways and other high officials have rushed to the site and were supervising the rescue operation, but the darkness was hindering the process, and added that ambulances and all other equipment required for rescue work had reached the spot and local people were also helping in the operation.
He said that emergency was declared immediately after the derailment and all the railway traffic was brought to a halt to avert any other untoward incident.
Giving details, Razi said that the train comprised 9 bogies, including engine. Apart from two bogies and the engine all six bogies fell into ravine, he said, adding: "It is a very deep ravine and rescue workers are having problems in the evacuation process."
Agencies add: The accident took place some two hours after the ill-fated train with nine carriages and 621 passengers left Rawalpindi for Lahore at 6 pm.
Minister of State for Railways Ishaq Khakwani said, "Rescue work is in full swing," adding: "Its too early to say about the casualties."
Secretary Railways Zaheem Chaudhry told PTV that three persons were killed and two injured in the incident.
Director Operations Railways Nasir Zaidi said three rescue trains to Domeli have been sent to save the passengers of the derailed train as the incident took place three kilometres off the National Highway.
One train each from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Kundiyan was immediately sent to Domeli, he said and added that cause of the accident was yet to be determined and it would be premature to assess the damage as well as the number of casualties.
According to initial report, there was no technical fault in the train, Zaidi said.
Troops have also been rushed to join relief and rescue operations while doctors have arrived from military hospitals in Jhelum and nearby garrisons in Kharian and Mangla, military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said.
Generators and heavy equipment have also been sent, he told PTV.
900 army jawans from Jhelum and Rawalpindi were immediately sent to the scene of the accident to help in evacuation of the passengers from the derailed bogies, an ISPR spokesman said.
Emergency was declared at CMH Jhelum and other nearby hospitals to save maximum number of lives, he said.
Pakistan Railways has set up a helpline to provide information about the dead and injured in the accident. The numbers are: 051-9270884, 051-9270981 and 051-5810329.