At least 5 killed, over 30 injured as Peshawar-bound train derails in Punjab's Multan district

On Tuesday, a Peshawar-bound train named Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district, resulting in at least five fatalities and over thirty injuries. A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways confirmed the death toll to Dawn, while a Rescue 1122 official reported 49 injuries and an ongoing rescue operation.

Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and instructed authorities to provide the best medical care for the injured and compensation to the deceased and injured, as per the Pakistan Railways insurance policy. Abbasi visited the accident site to assess the situation and direct rescue operations.

Train operations via Lodhran and Jahanian have been fully restored. Train driver Rizwan Abbas stated that the train was traveling at 100 kilometers per hour when he felt a push near Sher Shah station. After applying the brakes, he managed to stop the train, revealing that the passenger coaches had derailed and were lying off the tracks.

Pakistan Railways has set up 24/7 information and help desks at major stations and directed Divisional Commercial Officers to arrange alternative travel options and ticket refunds. A replacement train for the Rehman Baba Express, carrying over 500 passengers, departed from Sher Shah Railway Station, and buses have been arranged for passengers to continue their journeys by road.

The recent series of derailments has raised concerns over potential negligence and maintenance issues within Pakistan Railways.