On 31 October 2019, Pakistan Railways' Tezgam passenger train caught fire while traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi, resulting in at least 75 passenger deaths. The train accident was the deadliest in Pakistan since 2005, when the Ghotki rail crash killed more than 100 people.[3][4] Preliminary evidence suggested the explosion of a portable stove[5] occurred because some passengers illegally cooked food aboard the train. Such use of gas stoves is common on Pakistan's railways; train authorities often turn a blind eye to the dangerous practice.[6] However, an inquiry report revealed in January 2020 that the incident occurred due a short-circuit in the electric wiring of the train, negating earlier reports of a cylinder blast.[7]
Some of the 75 victims died[15] jumping from the moving train,[4] which reportedly did not stop until about 20 minutes after the fire broke out,[16] despite the communication cord being pulled.[17] Fifty-seven of the dead were burned beyond recognition; DNA tests were needed for identification.[18] At least 43 passengers were injured, 11 critically.[14]
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The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, ordered an immediate inquiry into the accident.[6] Sheikh Rasheed, the railways minister, announced a ₨1.5million compensation fund for each of the families of the dead, as well as ₨0.5million for those injured.[1][19] Six railway officers were suspended after the accident.[20][19]The inquiry report revealed in January 2020 that the incident occurred due a short-circuit in the electric wiring of the train, negating earlier reports of a cylinder blast. [7]
