Train collision in Pakistan's Karachi kills 17, injures 50

At least 17 people were killed on Thursday, (3 November) and 50 injured when two trains collided in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Video footage showed overturned carriages and rescuers working to free people caught in the wreckage, Reuters reported citing local media.

All train traffic between Karachi and the rest of the country was reportedly suspended after the collision, according to local TV news channels.

The accident occurred when Zakaria Express crashed into Fareed Express stationed at Juma Goth station.The head of the emergency department at Jinnah Hospital in Karachi, Dr Seemi Jamali told Geo TV that 17 people were brought dead. "Many among the injured have head injuries and some are in critical condition", she added.

The Federal Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has ordered an investigation into the accident and declared a compensation of Pakistani Rs 1,000,000 ($9,542; £7,738) for the next of kin who died and Rs 500,000 ($4,771, £3,869) for the wounded.

Around four people were killed and at least 93 were injured in September, when an express train crashed into a freight train in the city of Multan in Punjab province. The railway network of Pakistan has allegedly fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and under investment.