As Pakistan deals with the horrific Ghotki train crash, locals once again prove why Pakistan is one of the most hospitable and generous nations in the world. Pictures have emerged on social media showing locals serving food and drinks to stranded passengers of the Ghotki train crash.
The train crash, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of 62 people as per recent reports. The Millat Express, on its way to Lahore, and Sir Syed Express, on its way to Karachi, collided near the Mirpur Mathello railway station.
Read more: #TrainAccident: Sir Syed & Millat express collide at Sindh Punjab border
With over 100 passengers injured, rescue teams, including Pakistan Army, rushed to the scene to give them urgent medical assistance. As for the stranded passengers, locals from adjoining areas brought them food, water, and other essential commodities.
In the pictures, men can be seen serving biryani from huge “dhaigs“. To provide further relief to the passengers from the heat, they served Pakistan’s favorite “sharbat.”
Spotted from accident area
This is Pakistan 💚💚#TrainAccident pic.twitter.com/wrvf8S1FLG
— Fahmidah Yousfi (@fahmidahyousfi) June 7, 2021
Sindh ji Mehman Nawazi 😍
People of local villages near #TrainAccident are facilitating food items, Water bottles and Briyani to the victims of today's #TrainAccident.
Hatsoff to the local residents. 💕@Sangrisaeed @BBCUrdu#SindhAlwaysMehmanNawaz.#TrainAccident pic.twitter.com/Vguwn69dhp— Muhammad Sachal (@OfficialSachal) June 7, 2021
Twitteratis have lauded the locals for providing the victims with assistance and have appreciated their efforts. They also praised the immense hospitality of the people, and are urging more people to join the locals in helping the passengers.
Liaquatpur, people set an example by helping forced passengers in the heat
At present, the entire railway system of Sindh and Punjab is in disarray
People from each city go to the stations and help these passengers because these people are guests in your city.#TrainAccident pic.twitter.com/PTCo5VmoKk— khalid Bhettani (@khalidAnjaan) June 7, 2021
“When it comes to generosity, Pakistanis never disappoint,” said one Twitter user. He further expressed his appreciation of the locals by calling their efforts a “great gesture.”
when it comes to generosity Pakistanis never disappoint.. locals are providing food to the victims of Train accident.. Great gesture.. 👏 pic.twitter.com/OX3C4btKiC
— Nomi 💊🏏🇵🇰 (@Nomi_070) June 7, 2021
A common occurrence in Pakistan
Rail accidents are common in Pakistan, which inherited thousands of kilometers of track and trains from former colonial power Britain.
In July 2020, at least 20 people were killed when the Shah Hussain Express train rammed into a coaster near Sheikhupura in Punjab.
In October 2019, at least 75 people died when a train caught fire while traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi. Two trains carrying hundreds of passengers collided in Karachi in 2016, killing 21 people.
The nation has once again been riled up and is demanding that strict measures be taken against Pakistan Railways who has once again failed to ensure the safety of its passengers.
Read more: Ghotki train accident: Is privatization the answer?
PR Chief Executive Officer Nisar Memon said an inquiry into tragedy would determine the cause of the incident. He conceded that the railway tracks in the Sukkur division were weak, adding that PR had applied speed restrictions in such spots to ensure passenger safety.