Karachi to Peshawar Rahman Baba Express derailment kills four, injures more than 30

MULTAN: At least four people were killed and more than 30 injured after the Karachi-to-Peshawar Rahman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah station on Tuesday, railway officials said.

Between 500 and 600 passengers were on board the train when the incident occurred, according to the railway administration. Thirteen carriages have been cleared so far, while rescue operations are continuing in the remaining carriages.

Railway officials said one carriage was being cut open to extract passengers. Track restoration work will begin after the rescue operation is completed.

The railway department’s director of public relations, Babar Raza, confirmed four deaths and said an inquiry had been ordered into the incident. The injured passengers were shifted to hospitals, while rescue teams continued efforts to clear the track.

Rescue Multan said passengers trapped inside the carriages were being evacuated. The injured were receiving medical treatment, while the bodies of those killed were being taken to Nishtar Hospital.

The district administration also launched rescue operations at the site. Deputy Commissioner Dr Faisal Saleem declared an emergency at Nishtar Hospital and directed officials to speed up the transfer of injured passengers.

A relief camp was established near the accident site to provide passengers with accommodation, food and other essential supplies. Saleem said injured passengers were being provided with the best possible medical facilities and that an information desk was also being set up for their relatives.

The deputy commissioner said four deaths and 18 seriously injured passengers had initially been confirmed.

President, PM Shehbaz express concern

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over the derailment and offered condolences to the families of those killed. He directed the relevant authorities to provide immediate assistance and facilities to affected passengers and called for a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

PM Shehbaz also took notice of the derailment and expressed concern for those injured. He directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure that the injured received immediate and appropriate medical treatment.

Fourth passenger train incident in two weeks

The derailment is the fourth incident involving passenger trains in the past two weeks, according to the report.

On September 30, a carriage of the Pakistan Express, travelling from Rawalpindi to Karachi, derailed near Kharian. The following day, the Karachi-to-Lahore Shalimar Express and the Peshawar-to-Quetta Jaffar Express also derailed.

Rescue and relief operations following Tuesday’s incident were continuing, while the cause of the Rahman Baba Express derailment remained under investigation.

This is a developing story