At least 73 people lost their lives and several others injured as a massive fire broke out on a moving train in Pakistan’s in eastern Punjab province today after a gas canister carried by a passenger exploded. The train, Tezgam Express, was on its way to Rawalpindi from Karachi when the fire broke out, destroying three of the train’s carriages, including two economy class carriages and one business class carriage at Liaquatpur near Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab province.

District Emergency Officer RYK Baqir Hussain has confirmed that 73 passengers lost their lives in the fire. Most deaths occurred from people jumping off the train, the authorities said, adding that the toll could rise further as more than 40 passengers have suffered severe burn injuries.

ailway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that most of the victims belonged to the Tableeghi Jamaat (Islamic preachers) who were going to Lahore to attend a major annual congregation at Raiwind. He said two gas stoves blew up when some of the passengers were preparing breakfast on the speeding train in violation of rules. Prime Minister Imran Khan while expressing his condolences directed the authorities to ensure the provision of best medical treatment for the injured.