25 injured, one critical as Karachi-bound Tezgam Express derails near Lodhran: officials

• Four coaches overturn and three derail near Adam Wahan station, disrupting rail traffic

• Train split after a coupling rod broke; overturned coaches included business class, dining car, and two economy coaches

• Railways Minister orders high-level inquiry into cause with track restoration to begin soon

 LODHRAN/LAHORE: At least 25 passengers were injured, including one in critical condition, after the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express, traveling from Rawalpindi, derailed near Lodhran on Tuesday, railways and rescue officials confirmed.

The accident occurred around 9:00pm near Adam Wahan railway station, located between Lodhran and Bahawalpur, when four coaches overturned and three others derailed, disrupting both up and down rail traffic, said Lodhran Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf.

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with 17 injured passengers receiving first aid at the site and eight others shifted to the Lodhran District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. One critically injured passenger was later referred to Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital for further treatment.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Liaquat Gilani oversaw medical arrangements at the DHQ Hospital, ensuring all injured passengers received timely care. Officials have identified some of the injured as Khalid, Abdul Majeed, Ibad Ali, Abid, Jameel, Azizur Rehman, Sardar Hadi, and Farzana.

Deputy Commissioner Ashraf said the rescue operation had been completed, with temporary accommodations arranged for stranded passengers at a nearby girls’ school and the Circuit House. Food and alternative transport were also provided for those continuing their journeys.

According to Station Master Ahad Hussain, the train split into two sections after a coupling rod broke. The four overturned coaches included one business class coach, a dining car, and two economy class coaches. Railway officials said the remaining five coaches of Tezgam Express were later dispatched towards Karachi, while track restoration is expected to begin following the arrival of a relief train.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways confirmed that 8 down Tezgam Express met an accident near Lodhran, adding that Rescue 1122 and Railway Medical Teams were immediately deployed. Relief trains and trucks arrived from Multan, and authorities said the affected track will be restored soon.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has taken notice of the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry to determine its cause. Eyewitnesses reported that seven coaches attached to the engine moved ahead, while the rear coaches derailed, with several overturning.

This incident comes just over a week after a collision involving the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express near Lakha Road Station in Sindh’s Nowshehro Feroz, which killed one person and injured 12 others.