At least 19 people have been killed as a train struck a passenger van at an unmanned railway crossing near Sheikhpura.

According to the District Police Officer Sheikhupura Ghazi Salahuddin, 15 pilgrims lost their lives as the Lahore-bound train from Karachi met with an accident near Farooqabad railway station.

According to railway officials, the accident took place at a train crossing without a barrier. All the wounded have been shifted to a nearby hospital, added officials.

All the bodies have been shifted to the hospital and rescue operation has been completed. The wounded were given first aid by locals at the time of the accident.

Railways authorities have cleared the track and train operation has resumed.