They prepared breakfast in a wagon and the decanter exploded: at least 73 dead in a train in Pakistan

At least 73 people died and 40 others were injured this Thursday by the explosion of a gas cartridge according to the latest official data, passengers were preparing their breakfast on a train in southern Pakistan.

Three cars caught on fire and there are more than 100 casualties

The carafe explosion occurred around 6:30 local time near the town of Rahim Yar Khan and caused fire in three cars, two second class and a first, said the spokesman of the Ministry of Railways, Ali Nawaz Malik.

The fire was under control in the middle of the morning, while the emergency services continue to work in the charred cars from where still flows smoke.

The majority of victims are pilgrims that they were going to a religious festival near Lahore (east), according to the same source.

The train fire, a "terrible tragedy" that could have been avoided

Prime Minister Imran Kahn said that he was "deeply sad for the terrible tragedy"and announced the opening of an" immediate investigation, which must be completed urgently ".

"Terrible tragedy in a Tezgam train [el nombre de la línea] by the explosion of a gas cartridge provided by a passenger. Prayers and condolences to the families of the victims, "said Pakistani Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Twitter.

The accident "could have been avoided," he added, regretting that luggage is rarely checked on trains.

Carafes are forbidden on trains, but their use is very common during long journeys made by passengers to prepare their meals.

Railway accidents are common in Pakistan. Last July, a clash between two trains in the same region killed 23 people. Imran Khan then called for "urgent measures to address decades of rail infrastructure neglect".