Summary Lack of barriers at most level crossings are a frequent cause of such accidents.
SHEIKHUPURA (Web Desk) - At least 15 people were killed and several others injured when a Karachi-Lahore bound train hit an overcrowded motorcycle rickshaw at an unmanned railway crossing gate near Khanpur area on Saturday.
The rescue officials said that at least two children were also among the dead.
"There was no gate at this crossing, (nor) a man to stop the traffic to clear way for the train," a rescue official told.
The train, Karakkoram Express, was travelling between the southern city of Karachi and the eastern city of Lahore.
According to Dunya News correspondent, more than 16 people including women and children were travelling in the rickshaw. The accident occurred when the rickshaw driver hastily tried to cross an unmanned level crossing.
The injured have been shifted to district headquarter hospital in Sheikhpura.
Pakistan maintains a poor railway system based on British era track and old coaches. Many Pakistanis avoid traveling by train due to the low safety standards and unsatisfactory facilities.
However, Pakistan Railways spokesman said the accident occurred due to rickshaw driver s negligence.
