DHAKA: At least 17 people, including a senior army officer and the driver of the train, were killed when rail carriages full of soldiers and military hardware fell into a canal in Gujranwala on Thursday following the partial collapse of a bridge.

The accident occurred near the eastern town of Wazirabad in Punjab as it headed to the garrison town of Kharian. A search for five missing people continued late into the night, of which four have been found, reports tribune.com.pk.

Search operation for the missing persons resumed early Friday morning following the funeral prayers for the deceased in Multan and Lahore respectively. DG ISPR Asim Bajwa confirmed in his tweet.

Lieutenant General Ghayoor Muhammad has also reached the site and Pak Army’s investigative team has started collecting evidence.

A statement issued by the military said four carriages derailed as the train crossed Chanawan Bridge.

DG ISPR Asim Bajwa tweeted that eight bodies, including “Lieutenant Colonel Amir”, the commander of a unit, had so far been recovered.

BDST: 1428 HRS, JULY 3, 2015
RS