At Least Five Killed, 30 Injured As Passenger Train Derails In Pakistan’s Punjab

At least five people were killed and around 30 injured after the Rehman Baba Express derailed in Pakistan’s Punjab province early Tuesday, October 13, with all 14 coaches reportedly coming off the tracks near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan. Rescue operations were launched, while authorities ordered an investigation into the accident.

The train was travelling from Karachi, Pakistan’s southern port city, to Peshawar in the northwest when the derailment occurred at around 5.15 am, according to local media reports. The injured were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for treatment.

However, the death toll remained disputed in initial reports. While some reports put the toll at five or six, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed four deaths, including a minor girl, and said around 30 people were injured. One injured passenger was reported to be in critical condition.

According to reports, train driver Rizwan Abbas said the train was travelling at around 100 kmph when he felt a sudden push while passing through the Sher Shah station area. He said the signal was clear and that he applied the brakes to stop the train. After getting out of the locomotive, he found the passenger coaches had derailed.

A passenger also claimed that workers had repaired nuts and bolts on coach number nine near Rohri before the accident. However, the claim has not been independently verified, and authorities have not established whether it was connected to the derailment.

The railway minister appointed the Federal Government Inspector of Railways to investigate the incident and determine its cause. He said those found responsible would face action and that financial assistance would be provided to victims.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the deaths and directed authorities to ensure the injured received appropriate medical care. The prime minister also called for rescue operations to be expedited.

Pakistan Railways arranged a replacement train carrying more than 500 passengers and organised buses for those wishing to continue their journeys by road. Round-the-clock help desks were established at major stations, with ticket refunds and alternative travel arrangements offered to affected passengers.

The derailment has renewed concerns about railway safety in Pakistan, where ageing infrastructure and outdated signalling systems have contributed to recurring accidents. In August 2023, a passenger train derailment in Sindh killed at least 30 people and injured more than 100.