At least 4 killed, over 40 injured as train derails near Multan

At least four passengers were killed and 41 others injured when the Peshawar-bound Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district on Tuesday.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi confirmed the deaths and ordered an investigation into the accident.

The minister appointed the Federal Government Inspector of Railways (FGIR) to lead the inquiry and determine what caused the train to derail.

Abbasi said he could not confirm reports of five deaths because the railway’s divisional superintendent in Multan had reported four fatalities.

“We have appointed the FGIR to probe the incident. However, I cannot confirm that five passengers have died, as the railway’s divisional superintendent in Multan has reported four deaths,” Abbasi said.

Earlier, Pakistan Railways spokesperson Babar Ali had reported that five passengers died in the accident. The difference in the initial figures highlights the need for an official and verified casualty count.

At least 41 passengers injured, including children

According to a casualty list issued by Pakistan Railways, 41 people were injured in the derailment.

Three injured passengers were discharged from hospital, while the remaining 38 were referred to Multan’s Nishtar Hospital for treatment.

At least 13 minors were among the injured.

Authorities were directed to ensure that all injured passengers received proper medical care. However, the available information did not provide details about the condition of each injured passenger.

Train driver describes sudden jolt before derailment

Train driver Rizwan Abbas said the Rehman Baba Express was travelling at around 100 kilometres per hour when the accident occurred.

He said the signal was clear as the train passed through the Sher Shah station area. However, he suddenly felt a strong jolt.

Abbas said he immediately applied the brakes and managed to bring the train to a stop.

“When I got out of the locomotive and looked back, I saw that the passenger coaches had derailed and were lying off the tracks. It was horrible,” he said.

The driver maintained that the train was in working order.

His account provides an initial description of the incident but does not establish the cause of the derailment. Investigators will need to examine the locomotive, coaches, tracks, signals and other relevant evidence before concluding.

Railway inspector appointed to investigate accident

The federal government has ordered a formal inquiry into the derailment. The Federal Government Inspector of Railways will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and examine the available evidence.

The inquiry is expected to establish how the train derailed and whether any technical or operational problems contributed to the incident. The cause had not been officially determined at the time of reporting.

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The investigation is particularly important because several other train derailments and railway incidents have been reported in Pakistan in recent months. However, it would be premature to link the Multan accident to maintenance problems or negligence before the inquiry establishes what happened.

Railways minister visits accident site

Abbasi expressed grief over the loss of life and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. According to an official statement, he said he shared the sorrow of the bereaved families and directed the authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to the injured passengers.

The minister also said compensation would be paid to the families of the deceased and injured passengers in accordance with the Pakistan Railways insurance policy.

He travelled to the accident site to assess the situation and review rescue and relief operations. The railway inspector was also directed to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances that led to the derailment.

Replacement train arranged for stranded passengers

Pakistan Railways arranged alternative transport for passengers whose journeys were interrupted by the accident.

A replacement train carrying more than 500 passengers departed from Sher Shah Railway Station, according to an official statement. Buses were also arranged in coordination with the Multan district administration for passengers who wanted to continue their journeys by road.

The railway’s commercial department placed its field teams on high alert to assist passengers and manage travel arrangements. These measures were intended to reduce the difficulties faced by passengers following the disruption.

Multan administration provides assistance

Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan met affected passengers and their families after the accident.

He assured them that the administration would provide all possible assistance. The commissioner directed officials to arrange temporary accommodation, transport and breakfast for passengers who needed support.

He also instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that injured passengers received immediate medical assistance. These arrangements were aimed at helping passengers who were left waiting for information or alternative transport after the accident.

Help desks set up at major railway stations

Pakistan Railways established round-the-clock information and help desks at major railway stations to assist passengers affected by the incident.

Divisional commercial officers were also directed to arrange alternative travel options and process ticket refunds wherever necessary. Passengers travelling on affected routes were advised to seek updates from railway officials before making further arrangements.

Pakistan Railways also reported that train operations through Lodhran and Jahanian had been fully restored. The restoration of these routes was expected to help ease travel disruptions, although passengers were advised to confirm individual train schedules with the relevant authorities.

Repeated derailments raise railway safety concerns

The latest accident has renewed concerns about railway safety and maintenance across Pakistan.

Several derailments and other incidents involving passenger and freight trains have been reported in recent months. On October 1, the Shalimar Express and Pakistan Express reportedly derailed. A separate, minor incident involving the Jaffar Express was also reported on a track near Gujar Khan.

Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Hafeezullah had attributed those incidents to a lack of maintenance over the previous five years. He also said maintenance measures had been undertaken.

These statements have raised questions about the condition of railway infrastructure and the effectiveness of maintenance work. However, the findings of those separate incidents should not be treated as proof of the cause of the Multan derailment.

Several train incidents reported in recent months

In August, a coal train operated by Pakistan Railways derailed near Firoza Railway Station, between Khanpur and Liaquatpur, after reportedly running into a sand hump on a loop line.

Initial explanations pointed to possible brake problems or the possibility that the brakes had not been applied in time. The exact cause should be confirmed from the relevant investigation findings.

On the same day, the Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran in Jhelum district on Main Line-1, which connects Lahore and Rawalpindi. The incident disrupted railway operations.

The Hazara Express, travelling towards Havelian, also met with an accident on August 4 after its driver reportedly overshot and struck a sand hump. The incident damaged rolling stock and other railway infrastructure.

Another derailment involving the Bulleh Shah Passenger train was reported on August 5.

Further incidents occurred in July. The Lahore-bound Tezgam derailed between the Hyderabad and Kotri sections on July 28. On the same day, the Thal Express suffered an engine breakdown near Muzaffargarh.

The Shalimar Express derailed near Khanewal on July 5. A Bulleh Shah Passenger coach derailed in Lahore on July 20, while four coaches of the Hazara Express derailed near Karachi Cantt Railway Station on July 22.

These incidents involved different trains and circumstances. Their causes must be assessed individually. However, the repeated disruptions underline the importance of regular inspections, reliable equipment, and timely repairs.