Passengers who survived a fatal train hijacking in southwestern Pakistan have recounted chilling stories of their escape. Stranded in challenging mountainous terrain, many traveled for hours after being set free, while others had to abandon separated family members. The distressing event occurred when militants advocating for Balochistan’s independence bombed a railway track in a remote location, stopping the train and capturing over 450 passengers.
Survivors Recall Fear and Chaos
“I can’t express how we managed to escape. It was frightening,” AFP reported Muhammad Bilal as stating.
To date, more than 100 hostages have been released, yet militants still dominate the train.
“I heard an explosion, followed by gunfire, as militants invaded the train,” stated Allahditta, a passenger now at the Mach train station, which has been turned into a temporary hospital for the injured.
He described the chaos on board, saying, “People started hiding under the seats in fear. The militants separated men from women. They let my family and me leave because I told them I suffer from heart issues. ”
Recalling the grueling escape, Allahditta continued, “We trekked for a long time through the mountains to get to the nearest station. I haven’t eaten since I began fasting this morning, but I still can’t make myself eat. ”
Militants Targeted Passengers Based on Identity Cards
A survivor disclosed that the attackers examined identity cards, singling out passengers from outside of Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which took responsibility for the attack, has previously conducted similar operations, claiming opposition to what it describes as the exploitation of the region’s natural resources by outsiders.
“They came and examined IDs and service cards and shot two soldiers right in front of me and took the other four away to, I don’t know where,” said a passenger who asked for anonymity.
“They inspected IDs, and those identified as Punjabis were taken away by the terrorists,” he added.
Hostages Flee Through Treacherous Terrain
On Tuesday night, survivors faced a punishing journey through challenging terrain to find safety. Ultimately, they arrived at Mach, approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Iran border.
The hijacking highlights the increasing security issues in Balochistan, where separatist groups have intensified attacks in recent years. As rescue efforts are ongoing, Pakistan’s authorities are under increasing pressure to tackle the region’s deteriorating security situation.