Probe into Tezgam Express derailment begins tomorrow

• Federal Inspector of Railways to lead probe into on March 26–27 after Federal Minister ordered high-level investigation

• At least 25 passengers injured, one in critical condition

• Investigation to identify lapses and prevent future derailments

 LAHORE: Pakistan Railways on Wednesday announced that Federal Inspector of Railways Rizwanul Haq Hashmi will conduct an inquiry into the derailment of the Karachi-bound 8 Down Tezgam Express, scheduled for March 26 and 27 at the Committee Room of the Railways Multan Divisional Superintendent Office.

At least 25 passengers were injured, including one in critical condition, after the Tezgam Express, traveling from Rawalpindi to Karachi, derailed near Lodhran on Tuesday evening, railways and rescue officials confirmed.

The accident occurred around 9:00 PM 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.

A Pakistan Railways spokesperson said the inquiry will commence at 9:00 AM. “Anyone with information regarding this accident may provide evidence directly to the Federal Government Inspector of Railways at the Committee Room of the Divisional Superintendent Multan on the above dates, or in writing to the Federal Government Inspector of Railways, Pakistan Railways Headquarters, Allama Iqbal Road, Lahore by March 30, 2026,” the statement added.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi ordered a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause of the derailment. According to the spokesperson, the findings will help identify lapses and ensure measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the accident, Pakistan Railways launched an immediate relief operation. The Multan Division dispatched a relief train and trucks to the site, while rescue teams, including Rescue 1122 personnel and railway medical staff, promptly reached the location to assist passengers.

The spokesperson confirmed that no fatalities have been reported. Efforts are underway to restore the affected track as quickly as possible, with the aim of resuming normal train operations without delay.