All 14 coaches of the Karachi-to-Peshawar train reportedly derailed near Sher Shah Bridge early Tuesday, triggering rescue operations and a response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
MULTAN: At least six passengers were killed and 30 others injured after all 14 coaches of the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan early Tuesday, police and rescue officials said.
The injured were shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for medical treatment, while rescue teams continued operations at the accident site.
According to a passenger, the accident occurred at around 5:15am. The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar, according to earlier police information.
Rescue officials said 13 coaches had been cleared, while rescue operations were continuing in the remaining coach. Further details about the injured passengers’ conditions and the circumstances surrounding the deaths were awaited.
A passenger told reporters that workers had repaired the nuts and bolts of coach number nine near Rohri before the accident. The claim has not been independently verified, and authorities have yet to establish the cause of the derailment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and expressed concern over the passengers injured in the accident. He directed the relevant authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure that the injured received the best possible medical treatment without delay.
Pakistan Railways and other relevant authorities are expected to provide further information as rescue operations progress and the circumstances of the accident are investigated.
Pakistan’s railway safety concerns
The Multan derailment comes amid longstanding concerns about railway safety, infrastructure and maintenance in Pakistan.
In August 2023, the derailment of the Hazara Express near Nawabshah in Sindh killed at least 30 people and injured more than 100 others.
That accident renewed calls for improved railway safety and maintenance. The cause of the Rehman Baba Express derailment has not yet been officially established, and any connection to maintenance issues remains unconfirmed.