Four bogies of the train fell into the canal near Gujranwala after a section of the Head Chanawa bridge collapsed while the train was passing by the area. The train was en route from Punno Akal to Kharian Cantt in Gujrat city.
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The Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) also mentioned in his tweet saying four bogies of a special train carrying military troops to Kharian feel over a bridge near Jamke Chattha in canal. Shaheed confirmed 12 including Comd of unit, Lt col Amir.
According to government officials, as many as 80 affected passengers were rescued and shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Gujranwala.
Tahir further said it was evident from the footage being shown on TV channels that bridge was not in rundown condition as the pillars of the bridge still stand erect.
Railway minister Khawaja Saad Rafique directed to constitute investigative committee, to probe into the sad incident.
A senior military official said the army suspected sabotage. Rafique said that a complete report of the incident would be presented in 72 hours.
They said some of the army officers on board the train were traveling with their families.
The report said about 20 to 30 people, including soldiers and their families, are trapped in the submerged bogey.
A relief train, carrying technical and medical staff, was sent to the spot from Lahore, while two helicopters and other rescue teams engaged in relief operations.
The spokesman said that the train comprising six passenger compartments and 21 freight compartments was on its way from Sukkur Railways Division to Rawalpindi Railways Division.
The DG ISPR said that the rescue and search operation continues.
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the mishap and directed the officials of the Pakistan Railways to rush to the site to render all help.
