Pakistan orders inquiry after fatal train derailment near Multan

At least four passengers died when the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Multan on Oct. 13. Authorities ordered an investigation and arranged onward travel for survivors.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed four deaths to Dawn and said the Federal Government Inspector of Railways would investigate. State news agency APP also reported his confirmation of four fatalities. Geo News reported six deaths, citing police and rescue officials. The differing reports leave the final toll uncertain.

The Peshawar-bound service came off the tracks near Sher Shah railway station in Punjab. According to a casualty list from Pakistan Railways cited by Dawn, 41 people were injured, including at least 13 children. Three were discharged from hospital and 38 were referred to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Other reports gave different injury totals.

Driver Rizwan Abbas told Dawn the train was travelling at 100 kilometres per hour when he felt a sudden jolt while passing through the station area. He said the signal was clear and that he applied the brakes before finding the passenger coaches off the tracks. His account does not establish the cause of the derailment.

Abbasi ordered medical assistance for the injured and said compensation would be paid under Pakistan Railways’ insurance policy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to accelerate rescue and relief operations. President Asif Ali Zardari called for a transparent investigation.

Pakistan Railways said a replacement train carrying more than 500 passengers had left Sher Shah. Buses were arranged with the district administration for people choosing to continue by road. Officials were also instructed to provide temporary accommodation, transport and breakfast.

The railway operator established round-the-clock help desks at major stations and directed commercial officers to arrange alternative journeys and ticket refunds where necessary. It said services through Lodhran and Jahanian had been restored.

The accident follows several derailments this year. Dawn reported incidents involving the Shalimar Express, Pakistan Express and Jaffar Express on Oct. 1. Railway officials had previously cited maintenance shortcomings, but investigators have yet to establish what caused the latest accident.