Tezgam train derails near Bahawalpur, 15 injured

BAHAWALPUR/MULTAN: A Tezgam passenger train traveling from Peshawar to Karachi derailed near Adam Wahan in Bahawalpur district on Tuesday, leaving at least 15 passengers trapped and injured, railway officials said.

The accident involved seven carriages, of which four overturned and two were partially derailed, according to Deputy Superintendent of Railways Hanif Gul.

The derailment reportedly began with the fourth carriage behind the engine.

Rescue teams, ambulances, and heavy machinery were dispatched to the site immediately. Injured passengers received first aid on-site before being transferred to nearby hospitals.

Some sustained minor injuries while others were in serious condition, railway officials said.

Railway authorities temporarily suspended train traffic on both up and down tracks to allow rescue operations and removal of derailed coaches.

Local administration and law enforcement personnel cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of rescue workers.

Senior railway officials have been dispatched to the site, and a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause.

Preliminary reports suggest track defects or technical failure may have contributed to the accident.

Railway officials said services will be restored gradually after completion of rescue and repair operations. They emphasized that all responsible parties would face strict legal action after the investigation.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns over railway safety and infrastructure maintenance in Pakistan.