Pakistan express hits fortuner near Alinagar level crossing, one killed

A man was killed and another seriously injured when the Pakistan Express train rammed into a Toyota Fortuner near the Alinagar

WAZIRABAD:  A man was killed and another seriously injured when the Pakistan Express train rammed into a Toyota Fortuner near the Alinagar railway crossing on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Muhammad Fareed, son of Muhammad Khan, a resident of Wadala Cheema, while his companion, Chaudhry Shabbir, son of Rehmat Khan, sustained serious injuries in the crash.

According to rescue officials and eyewitnesses, the Fortuner was crossing or approaching the railway crossing when it came into the path of the Pakistan Express travelling towards Wazirabad. The train struck the vehicle and dragged it for more than 50 yards, leaving the vehicle badly damaged and causing panic in the area.
Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene after being alerted and shifted Fareed’s body and the injured Shabbir to Civil Hospital Wazirabad.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle had stopped before the crossing after its occupants noticed the approaching train. However, as the train came closer, the vehicle suddenly moved forward and was hit by the train.
Police and rescue officials reached the site shortly after the accident. An officer of the railway police, along with personnel from the Saddar Wazirabad police, traffic police and Rescue 1122, inspected the scene and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The two men were reportedly on their way to their business establishments, including a supermarket and service station, when the accident occurred near Alinagar.
The incident has once again raised concerns among residents over safety arrangements at railway crossings in and around Wazirabad. Residents said the absence of proper barriers and adequate safety measures at some railway crossings was putting motorists and pedestrians at risk.

They called upon the railway authorities to improve safety arrangements at Alinagar and other vulnerable crossings by installing proper barriers and ensuring the availability of crossing staff to prevent similar accidents in the future.