Kate Middleton and Prince William have released a very sad statement

Following the tragic news of the Pakistan train fire this week, Prince William and Kate Middleton have released a very sad statement, sending their condolences to the president of Pakistan.

The tragedy saw 74 people killed and a further 40 injured after a gas canister explosion caused a train fire while driving through Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday.

Following the announcement of the devastating news, Prince William and Kate Middleton expressed their deep sadness, having just visited the country earlier this month.

'Having just returned from visiting Pakistan, we were horrified and deeply saddened to hear about the tragic fire on the Tezgam train near Rahim Yar Khan,' the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced in an emotional statement. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people and families affected by this heart-breaking disaster.'

During their tour, the royal couple paid 'respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan' but largely focused 'on showcasing Pakistan as it is today — a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation.

‘From the modern leafy capital Islamabad, to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West, the visit [spanned] over 1000km, and [took in] Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes.’

Our thoughts are with the people affected by Pakistan's tragic train fire.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.