NAROWAL: The driver of a tractor-trolley is feared drowned as the vehicle plunged into Bumbanwala Ravi Bedian (BRB) Canal after being hit by a passenger train at a gate-less level-crossing near Mehta Suja Railway Station on Wednesday.

As per railway officials, the Faiz Ahmed Faiz passenger train, going to Lahore from Narowal rammed into a tractor-trolley when its driver tried to cross the level-crossing that was without any gate.

Eyewitnesses say that the impact of the collision was so forceful that the tractor-trolley, along with the driver, plunged into the nearby BRB canal.

They say following the incident, locals gathered on the spot to trace the driver, but to no avail.

The teams of Rescue 1122, Sheikhupura, immediately reached the spot on being informed of the accident and the divers started searching for the driver identified as Khurram Shabbir, 30, a resident of Wahandu village, says the emergency service spokesperson.

Hafiz Abdul Qayyum, who commutes daily between Narowal and Lahore by the train says the accident occurred because there was no gate at the level-crossing.

Around half an hour after the accident, the railway staff concerned allowed the train to resume its journey to Lahore, restring traffic on the railway section.

Railway Traffic Inspector Javed Shah says all the passengers of the train remained safe in the accident, adding that a probe into the collision has also been launched.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2023