At least 19 people have been killed after a train hit a van carrying Sikh pilgrims in north-eastern Pakistan.

The crash, involving a Karachi-Lahore express train, happened on a level crossing near Sheikhupura, in Punjab province, police said.

All the dead are said to be from one family, and were on their way home from Nankana, one of the Sikh religion’s main sites. Eight others were hurt.

It comes after a string of recent fatal accidents on Pakistan’s railways.

Officials said the driver of the van in Friday’s accident had tried to take a short cut to avoid the crossing, where the gates were closed. Initial reports suggested the crossing had no barrier.

According to Pakistanian police, there were 25-26 people travelling in the van, adding that women and children were among the casualties.