Rehman Baba Express Derails Near Multan, Five Dead
Five people lost their lives and over 30 others sustained injuries when the Rehman Baba Express derailed near the Sher Shah Bridge close to Multan early Tuesday morning. The train, en route from Karachi to Peshawar, derailed at approximately 5:15 am, affecting all 14 coaches onboard.
Details of the Multan Train Derailment
Authorities and rescue teams rushed to the scene after the incident to conduct a large-scale rescue operation. Injured passengers were promptly transported to Nishtar Hospital, Multan, for emergency treatment. Rescue officials confirmed that 13 coaches were cleared from the tracks during their operation, while efforts continued to address the remaining damaged coaches.
Reports indicated that several carriages had overturned, contributing to the high number of injuries. Pakistan Railways announced that compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased and those injured, as per the insurance policy.
Investigation and Response
The cause behind the derailment remains undetermined. The train’s driver, Rizwan Abbas, mentioned that the train was traveling at a speed of about 100 km/h with clear signals when a sudden jolt was felt. He applied the brakes immediately after realizing the coaches behind had derailed.
While a passenger alleged prior repairs near Rohri might have contributed to the accident, this claim has yet to be verified. The government has instructed an official inquiry into the incident. Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed concern and directed authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and expedite the investigation.
Significance for Pakistan’s Railway Safety
This derailment spotlights ongoing concerns regarding rail safety in Pakistan, as it follows several similar incidents in recent months, including derailments involving the Shalimar Express and Pakistan Express. The formal findings of the inquiry are expected to clarify whether deficiencies in track maintenance, mechanical failures, or operational errors caused this tragic event.
For Pakistan, where railways serve as a vital transportation network for millions, such accidents underscore the urgent need for robust safety measures, improved infrastructure, and regular maintenance protocols to protect passengers and restore public confidence.
