Pakistan: 73 killed in Tezgam express fire

Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer Ameer Taimoor Khan confirmed the number of casualties, Geo News reported.

Mr Khan said the injured have been shifted to DHQ Liaqatpur and Bahawalpur.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said the blaze had been extinguished and cooling efforts were underway.

Mr Rasheed announced Rs 1.5 million compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs 0.5 million for those injured.

District rescue service head Baqir Hussain confirmed the number of casualties. Mr Hussain said the deceased will be identified through DNA.

The Railways Minister said,''It was our negligence that they were allowed to board with a gas cylinder.''  

The incident occurred when a gas cylinder carried by a passenger exploded.  The passengers were cooking breakfast when the gas cylinder exploded engulfing three of the train's carriages,  including two economy and one business class were destroyed.

President Arif Alvi expressed deep grief over loss of lives.

Expressing grief at the loss of lives in the incident, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the authorities to ensure best medical treatment for the injured.

Pakistan Army soldiers were helping with the rescue operation, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

An Army aviation helicopter is rushing the injured to nearby hospital. Army Doctors and paramedics are also helping with the relief operation, it added.