More than 30 passengers injured after the Karachi-to-Peshawar train derails in Punjab; authorities launch an investigation.
Web Desk: At least five passengers were killed and more than 30 injured after the Rehman Baba Express, travelling from Karachi to Peshawar, derailed near Sher Shah in Multan district on Tuesday morning, according to The Express Tribune.
Fourteen coaches reportedly went off the tracks, prompting a major rescue operation. The injured passengers were shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where an emergency was declared.
Rescue Operations Underway
Railway officials said rescue teams were assisting passengers at the accident site. A relief train and a medical van were dispatched from Multan to support the operation.
According to Rescue 1122, teams evacuated passengers from the derailed train. Railway traffic on both tracks was suspended following the accident, disrupting services through Multan.
The initial response included the deployment of emergency personnel and medical staff to treat the injured and help stranded passengers.
Railway Authorities Launch Investigation
The cause of the derailment had not been officially established at the time of reporting.
Railway authorities formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi directed the Federal Government Inspector of Railways to probe the accident and said compensation would be provided to deceased and injured passengers under the railway insurance policy.
Authorities cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause before the investigation was completed.
Passenger Raises Questions About Coach Repairs
Some passengers alleged that the train had experienced severe jolts before the accident. One passenger also claimed that workers had repaired the nuts and bolts of coach number nine near Rohri before the derailment.
The claim has not been independently verified, and there is no confirmed evidence establishing a link between the reported repairs and the accident.
Investigators will need to determine whether track conditions, rolling-stock components or other factors contributed to the derailment.
President and Prime Minister Express Concern
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over the incident, offered condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He called for a transparent investigation and assistance for affected passengers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure that injured passengers received appropriate medical treatment.
Train Services Disrupted
The derailment disrupted rail services passing through Multan. Officials said trains could be diverted through alternative routes while railway teams worked to clear the affected tracks.
Passengers travelling through the region were likely to face delays as recovery and restoration operations continued. Railway authorities were expected to provide further updates on train movements and arrangements for affected travellers.
Railway Safety Under Scrutiny
The accident has renewed attention on railway safety, maintenance and the need for thorough investigations into serious derailments.
Pakistan has experienced major railway accidents in the past, including the August 2023 Hazara Express derailment near Nawabshah in Sindh, which killed at least 30 people.
