SUKKUR: A retired DSP and his brother were killed, and two others critically injured, when a newly launched passenger train collided with their car at an unmanned railway crossing at Arain Phatak on Thursday evening.

The collision occurred within the jurisdiction of the Abad police station. According to police and rescue sources, a car (registration No. BJG 680) was traversing the tracks when it was struck by the Ho Jamalolocal train, which was en route from Gosarji to Rohri.

The impact was severe enough to split the vehicle into two. Eyewitnesses reported that the retired officer and his brother died instantly, while two other occupants sustained critical injuries. Rescue 1122 and police personnel shifted the casualties to Sukkur Civil Hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate the primary cause of the accident was the absence of a barrier at the crossing. Local residents described Arain Phatak as one of the area’s busiest yet most hazardous crossings, noting that a lack of barriers and warning systems has caused multiple fatal accidents in the past.

Two other car occupants critically injured in the accident at ‘unmanned’ Arain level crossing

Citizens and relatives of the victims have demanded that the railway authorities and the district administration immediately install permanent gates and signals at the site. Police have registered a case and initiated further inquiries.

Three injured in Gambat highway crash

Three people, including two teenage girls, were critically injured when a trailer truck overran their motorcycle on the National Highway near Gambat.

Police identified the victims as 14-year-old Abida Burdi, 16-year-old Reema Burdi, and 20-year-old Fayyaz Hussain Burdi, all residents of Setharja. They are currently undergoing treatment at the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences.

The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash. Police have impounded the heavy vehicle and launched a search operation to apprehend the suspect.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026