At least 4 killed, over 30 injured as Peshawar-bound train derails in Punjab's Multan district

Lahore witnessed a tragic incident on Tuesday when a train heading towards Peshawar derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district. The Rehman Baba Express, carrying over 500 passengers, left the tracks, resulting in at least five deaths and over 30 injuries. A spokesperson from Pakistan Railways confirmed the casualty count to the Dawn news agency.

Initially, Muhammad Arshad, an official from Rescue 1122, reported 49 injuries and stated that a rescue operation was underway. Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured. He also ordered compensation to be paid to the victims according to the Pakistan Railways insurance policy.

The minister promptly visited the accident site to evaluate the situation and oversee rescue efforts. Meanwhile, train services via Lodhran and Jahanian were fully restored. Train driver Rizwan Abbas recounted that the train was traveling at 100 kilometers per hour when he encountered a sudden push near the Sher Shah station area.

Despite applying the brakes, the locomotive and passenger coaches derailed, causing extensive damage. Abbas claimed the train was in good working condition prior to the incident. In response to the accident, Pakistan Railways established 24/7 information and assistance centers at major stations and directed Divisional Commercial Officers to arrange alternative travel options and ticket refunds.

A replacement train carrying passengers set off from Sher Shah Railway Station, and buses were arranged via the Multan district administration for those preferring road travel. The Commercial Department's field formations were on high alert to assist passengers. The train derailment incidents have increased in frequency over the past year, prompting concerns about potential negligence and shortcomings in maintenance across the railway network.

In October, two passenger trains narrowly avoided major accidents after derailing, while a third minor incident occurred on the Jaffar Express near Gujar Khan. The PR CEO had previously attributed these accidents to inadequate maintenance over the past five years. In August, the Yousafwala coal train derailed near Firoza Railway Station due to weak brakes or a driver failing to apply them in time.

Similarly, the Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran in Jhelum district, and the Havailian-bound Hazara Express lost control after hitting the sand hump on the Main Line-1 track. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan Railways in ensuring passenger safety.