Two cooking stoves exploded on a train in Pakistan, injuring 43 and killing 71 people.
Casualties
Number of casualties is likely to increase as 11 people are in critical condition.
Fire caused by the explosion destroyed three carriages on the train.
As the fire broke out, many passengers jumped off the train to their deaths.
Authorities are still trying to identify the victims who died in the accident.
Rail safety concerns increase amid the accident in Pakistan. Further investigation into the explosion will start this week.
Safety Regulations
Safety regulations prohibit carrying individual gas stoves on public transportation such as metros, buses and trains.
However, most trains in central locations are overcrowded. Passengers and crew members often violate safety regulations. Violations go unnoticed on overcrowded trains.
Authorities in Pakistan believe passengers who violated safety regulations by bringing individual gas stoves on the train might have caused the accident.
Violations might have gone unnoticed due to lack of safety checks on the train.
Rail Accidents
Pakistan’s rail system is infamous for being poorly maintained and outdated. Subsequently, accidents happen often.
The explosion raises concerns regarding fire and safety regulations on trains across the world.
Earlier this month, the United Kingdom mourned the victims of its worst rail disaster.
Two trains collided in Paddington, killing 32 and injuring 250 people.
Authorities warned that the accident could have been avoided if companies followed safety regulations.
Following the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster, the United Kingdom tightened its fire and safety rules on public transportation.
Stricter Safety Regulations
As the number of accidents on vehicles increase, producers of explosive goods such as gas powered stoves are likely to take precautions to avoid liability.
The need for stricter fire and safety regulations increase not only in the transportation sector but also across all sectors.
There have been increasing reports of explosions caused by technological items such as mobile phones, adaptors and laptops as well as gas powered items.
Technological Devices
Two years ago a teenager’s Apple Iphone exploded in East China. Following the explosion, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) updated its safety regulations to avoid explosions.
Similarly, a Samsung (LON: BC94) phone exploded a year ago, giving the user severe burns. Number of similar incidents is high.
For instance, a laptop produced by Dell (NYSE: DELL) exploded. The explosion injured a 72 year old woman.
Dell tightened its fire and safety regulations following the accident.
More companies are likely to follow Apple and Dell in tightening their safety regulations.
Producers of these goods take further measures to avoid accidents.
The accident in Pakistan reflects the need for accountability and safety enforcement.