KASUR: The driver of a tractor trolley died while his helper suffered injuries when a train hit their vehicle loaded with bricks at an unmanned railway crossing on Wednesday near Pial Kalan village.

Waqar alias Billa of Mustafabad and his helper Younas were on their way on a tractor trolley loaded with bricks. While trying to cross the unmanned level crossing near Pial Kalan village, a Karachi-bound Farid Express 37-Up hit the trolley, seriously injuring Waqar and Younas.

Locals rushed the injured to hospital but Waqar died on the way, while Younas was stated to be in critical condition.

The Farid Express engine was also damaged badly. The train left for its destination after a delay of about an hour.

According to locals, this is not the first train accident. Scores of such incidents and protests had fallen on deaf ears of the railway authorities.

KIDNAP BID: The mother of a minor girl saved her child from allegedly being abducted on Wednesday in Rukanpura locality. The suspected abductor managed to escape when locals gathered on the spot.

Samina Bibi, wife of rickshaw driver Muhammad Boota, was on her way to a nearby shop with her daughter. An unidentified man attempted to pick up four-year-old Faiqa, but Samina was holding her daughter’s hand tightly. A scuffle ensued but Samina did not let go of Faiqa. The suspect even took out a knife to scare her but Samina raised an alarm. Locals rushed to the spot to rescue them while the suspect managed to flee from the scene.

B Division police reached the spot on receiving information and recorded the statement of Samina and started an investigation.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2018