Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique said that an inquiry committee has been formed, to investigate Lodhran train accident, which will submit its initial report within 24 hours, he added. Talking to media on Friday, Saad said, driver, assistant driver of the train and the gate keeper are in police custody. Those responsible for incident would be taken to task and investigation team have reached at the spot, he added.

It may be noted that six people, including five school children were killed when Hazara Express hit two motorcycle Rickshaws near Lodhran on Friday morning. Saad Rafique said that there could be several reasons of the accident like human negligence, dense fog, technical fault or some others, adding that no one could be held responsible till the completion of the inquiry.

To a question, he said that railway gate was open and the signal was up so the train should not have passed the level crossing in such situation. First rickshaw was hit by the train while second one smashed into the running train, he said, adding: "There are so many questions, but we all should wait for the initial investigation report."

The Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his sympathy to the bereaved families. He added the railways management was working hard to improve signal system.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017