Federal Railways Minister Azam Khan Swati has on Wednesday said that he reached the Ghotki accident site, soon after the incident and monitored the rescue and relief operation.
While addressing a press conference today in Lahore, Swati announced that those who have become handicapped in the deadly Ghotki train accident will be provided help through Ehsaas Program.
“An initial inquiry report into the incident has been received, the minister said, adding that he will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan on coming Sunday or Monday.
20 wounded persons are still under treatment at hospitals and three of them are in critical condition, the minister informed.
He further confirmed that 63 people have lost their lives and 107 people sustained injuries in the horrific Ghotki train accident.
“Heirs of the deceased will be provided compensation of Rs1.5million, while the injured will be provided between Rs50,000 to 300,000 as per the nature of their wounds,” Swati added.
“This track is stuck like a bone in our throat. We can neither eat it nor throw it out. I admit that the safety of passengers at this track is compromised,” the minister admitted.
Azam Khan Swati also added that those responsible for the train accident will be held accountable.
Earlier, Railway Minister Azam Swati provided preliminary information to the Prime Minister.
At the direction of the Prime Minister, the Railway Minister left Ghotki by helicopter on an emergency basis and inspected the rescue operations at the crash site.
On this occasion, Azam Swati said that the accident was massive, he was grieved for the deaths and injuries of passengers adding that he will personally supervise the rescue operation and treatment of the injured.
He said that it has been decided to investigate the train accident on an emergency basis and those responsible for the accident will be held accountable.