Rehman Baba Express Derails in Multan, at Least 5 Killed and 30 Injured

At least five passengers were killed and around 30 others injured after all 14 coaches of the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan early Tuesday, according to police and rescue officials.

The passenger train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar when the accident occurred at around 5:15am. Rescue teams immediately reached the site and launched operations to evacuate passengers trapped inside the coaches and provide medical assistance to the injured.

The injured passengers were shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where they were being provided medical treatment. Rescue officials said 13 coaches had been cleared while rescue operations were continuing inside the remaining coach.

The exact circumstances that led to the derailment have not yet been officially established. Authorities are expected to determine the cause after a detailed investigation.

A passenger told reporters that workers had repaired the nuts and bolts of coach number nine near Rohri before the train continued its journey. However, the information has not been independently verified, and there is currently no official confirmation that the reported repair was connected to the derailment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the accident and expressed concern over the passengers injured in the incident. He directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment without delay.

The accident has once again highlighted concerns over railway safety, maintenance and the condition of Pakistan’s ageing rail infrastructure. Any determination about whether maintenance issues contributed to the incident will depend on the findings of the official investigation.

Pakistan has witnessed several serious railway accidents in recent years. In August 2023, the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah in Sindh, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 100 others.

Further details about the identities of those killed and injured, as well as the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s derailment, are expected as rescue operations and the official investigation continue.