In a distressing incident late Tuesday night, the Tezgam Express train derailed near Adam Wahan, close to Lodhran, resulting in injuries to 25 passengers and causing significant disruption to rail services. The derailment occurred after a coupling hook on the train broke, splitting the express into two sections and causing at least four bogies, including the dining car, to come off the tracks. The violent overturning of some coaches triggered panic among the passengers, many of whom scrambled desperately in the darkness to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Authorities confirmed that 25 people sustained injuries in the accident. While 17 passengers received first aid and were discharged on the spot, eight critically injured individuals were rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital in Lodhran for further treatment. Lodhran’s Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Ashraf, provided updates on the rescue operation, highlighting the swift response of emergency teams and the arrangements made for stranded passengers.
As night fell, many passengers found themselves stranded at the accident site. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate those affected, with Rescue 1122 personnel playing a crucial role in the operation. The injured and other passengers were relocated to a nearby school where they were provided shelter for the night. Additional space was arranged at the Circuit House, and food and essential supplies were distributed to those displaced by the derailment.
Railway officials reported that the track was blocked for several hours, severely impacting train traffic on the down line. Karachi-bound trains were halted at Lodhran station, causing delays and inconvenience for travelers. Meanwhile, efforts to restore the track were underway, with heavy machinery and medical teams on site. A relief train and trucks were also deployed to assist in the recovery process. The Tezgam Express, which had departed from Samasata Junction en route to Karachi, was supplemented with four additional coaches there to continue its journey once the track was cleared.
In response to the incident, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has ordered a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the derailment. This investigation aims to prevent similar accidents in the future and to address the ongoing safety concerns surrounding Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Tezgam Express has experienced a derailment. In March of the previous year, a bogie slipped off the track near Rohri station, causing delays and disruption to several other trains, including the Bahauddin Zakariya Express, Shah Hussain Express, Green Line Express, and Fareed Express. That incident left hundreds of passengers stranded, many of whom were returning to Karachi after the Eid holidays.
Pakistan’s railway system has faced numerous challenges over the years, with aging infrastructure frequently blamed for accidents. In August 2023, a tragic derailment in Nawabshah district resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuries to more than 80 others, marking one of the deadliest rail disasters in recent memory. The train involved lost around 10 coaches off the tracks, underscoring the urgent need for modernization and safety improvements.
Authorities have been striving to secure funding for upgrades, including support from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but progress has been slow. The 2023 Nawabshah tragedy came just two years after a catastrophic train collision in Sindh in 2021, which claimed at least 56 lives and injured over 100 passengers. These repeated incidents highlight the critical importance of overhauling Pakistan’s rail network to ensure passenger safety and reliable service.
