ISLAMABAD: At least nineteen people were killed in a crash between a coaster and the Shah Hussain Express train near Sheikhupura, a statement by the Railways Ministry said.

At least eight people have been injured in the accident, according to Rescue 1122 officials, all of whom are being shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, Sheikhupura. The bodies were shifted to the DHQ hospital.

Rescue officials from both Railways and Rescue 1122 reached at the scene of the accident and shifted the injured and the dead to nearby hospitals, the statement added. All divisional officials have been directed to arrive at the crash site. Several passengers have been injured.

According to media reports, most of the passengers in the coaster were Sikh Yatrees who were returning from Nankana Sahib.

The accident took place on a crossing near Sheikhupura that was reportedly unmanned. Following the accident, the divisional engineer has been suspended by the ministry, the statement said.

Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid has ordered authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the accident.—INP