| 2019 Pakistan train fire | |
|---|---|
 Route of the Tezgam express shown in blue. | |
  Location of the fire on map of Pakistan | |
| Details | |
| Date | 31 October 2019 06:18 am PST (01:18 UTC) |
| Location | near Liaquat Pur railway station |
| Coordinates | 29°00′26″N 70°59′20″E / 29.00722°N 70.98889°E |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Line | Karachi–Peshawar Line |
| Operator | Pakistan Railways |
| Service | Tezgam |
| Incident type | Train fire |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 1 |
| Passengers | 933 |
| Deaths | 75[1][2] |
| Injured | 43 |
| Damage | Three carriages destroyed |
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]
- ^ "Death toll from Tezgam train fire climbs to 74". Geo News. 31 October 2019.
- ^ "Tezgam fire death toll reaches 75". The Express Tribune. 3 November 2019.
- ^ "Here are major train accidents in Pakistan since 1953". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ Birsel, Robert. "Fire engulfs Pakistani train, kills at least 65". Reuters. Retrieved 31 October 2019.[dead link]
- ^ "Initial inquiry says gas cylinders blast caused Tezgam fire". Dawn. 2 November 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan train fire: Karachi to Rawalpindi service blaze kills dozens". BBC News. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- ^ "Inquiry Report Blames Short-Circuit for Deadly Tezgam Train Fire Tragedy". ARY News. 28 January 2020.