Islamabad: According to a report by JEE News, Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq told the National Assembly that 6 officials of the Railway Department were suspended for alleged negligence in the Hazara Express accident.
Pakistan witnessed a fatal train accident last Sunday in Nawabshah of Sanghar when 10 coaches of Hazara Express derailed near Sirhari railway station on its way to Havelian from Karachi, killing more than thirty people and injuring more than 100. Got injured.
Speaking during the National Assembly session on Tuesday, Rafiq said that the investigation into the matter is ongoing and the report will be finalized in a few days.
Explaining the cause of the accident, he said that two wheels of the bogie got jammed at the time of departure from Karachi. Apart from this, the railway track near the accident site was also damaged due to which this accident took place.
The minister said that the suspended officials were of grade BPS-18 and below.
He added that a compensation of Rs 1.5 million has been given to each of the kin of the deceased passengers.
Earlier, Ministry of Pakistan Railways had issued a notification of suspension of officials in light of Rule 5 of Performance and Discipline of Government Servants Rules 2020.
The notification said that the officers, including a divisional engineer and works manager, have been suspended following an inquiry against them.
It added that in light of Rule 5 of the Civil Servants (Discipline and Discipline) Rules, 2020, six officers in connection with the tragedy have been suspended with “immediate effect” and till further orders.
The initial report on the accident stated that there were no fish plates connecting the line at the accident site and that instead of the broken rail, a piece of wood was first installed to repair it.
The wheels of the engine affected by the derailment were also damaged, he said, adding that sabotage could not be ruled out during the investigation.
It said that the responsibility lies with the engineering and mechanical engineering department.
There was a lack of consensus among the six officers regarding the initial report.
