LODHRAN: At least two passengers were killed, and 33 others were injured on Sunday when six coaches of the Awami Express derailed near Lodhran Railway Station in Punjab.
The train, traveling from Lahore to Karachi, went off the tracks at approximately 2:10am due to a suspected brake failure, according to officials.
The incident occurred when the train was approaching Lodhran, causing significant damage to the coaches and leaving several passengers trapped. Rescue teams from Rescue 1122 arrived promptly at the scene.
While some of the injured were treated at the site, 22 passengers with serious injuries were transported to the District Hospital Lodhran for emergency care. Two critically injured passengers were transferred to Bahawalpur for further treatment.
Initial reports indicated that the derailment caused the deaths of two passengers, one of whom died at the scene, and the other later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The 33 other victims suffered varying degrees of injury, with several of them being treated on-site. Authorities confirmed that the remaining passengers were later transferred to another train heading toward Karachi.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 explained that the train’s derailment was caused by a brake failure, though an official investigation is still underway to determine the full extent of the cause. Efforts to restore the affected railway track are ongoing, and a team of railway engineers has been dispatched to the site for repairs.
Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed swift action in investigating the cause of the accident. He also stated that Pakistan Railways had already begun implementing safety reforms, and the government was committed to improving railway infrastructure to prevent future mishaps.
“This incident highlights the need for further improvements in our railway system,” Abbasi remarked. “We will ensure accountability and work towards enhancing the safety measures for the passengers traveling through our rail network.”
The accident is the latest in a series of derailments and accidents that have raised concerns about the safety and condition of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. Earlier this month, the Peshawar-bound Awami Express derailed near Khanpur Railway Station, resulting in multiple injuries.
In a separate incident, the Islamabad Express also derailed in Sheikhupura, injuring 29 passengers and damaging a large portion of the track.
The recent spate of accidents has led to renewed calls for upgrading and maintaining Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. Experts have pointed out that many of the country’s rail systems are outdated and in need of urgent repairs. Railway safety activists argue that a comprehensive review of the railways should be conducted to assess the condition of tracks, stations, and trains.
“The recurring accidents underscore the need for modernization and enhanced safety protocols in Pakistan Railways. These incidents are a reminder of the critical state of the country’s railway infrastructure,” said a railway safety expert.
The incident also raised questions about the overall safety of Pakistan’s railway system, which continues to struggle with infrastructure issues. While efforts are underway to upgrade and modernize the system, these accidents highlight the urgent need for more immediate improvements to prevent further loss of life.
The Federal Government Inspector of Railways (FGIR) is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident, which will look into the causes of the derailment and the state of the railway system. A meeting will be held next week to review the findings and discuss necessary reforms.
