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 significant disruption to rail services. The accident occurred when a coupling hook broke, causing the train to split into two sections and leading to the derailment of at least four bogies, including the dining car. The violent overturning of several coaches sparked panic among the densely packed passengers, many of whom scrambled desperately to protect themselves and their loved ones amid the darkness.
Authorities confirmed that 25 individuals sustained injuries in the mishap. While 17 passengers received immediate first aid and were discharged on the spot, eight others were reported to be in critical condition and were promptly transferred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Lodhran for further treatment. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf provided updates on the rescue efforts, emphasizing the swift response by emergency teams and the provision of essential aid to those affected.
As night fell, many passengers found themselves stranded at the accident site. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams working tirelessly to clear the wreckage and restore the damaged track. Those displaced were relocated to a nearby school for shelter, and additional accommodations were arranged at the Circuit House to ensure their safety and comfort. Basic necessities, including food and medical supplies, were distributed to the victims, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to managing the crisis effectively.
The Pakistan Railways and Rescue 1122 teams collaborated closely during the operation, utilizing heavy machinery and relief trains to assist in evacuations and clear the obstructed railway line. Despite the severity of the incident, officials confirmed there were no fatalities. However, train services on the down track remained suspended for several hours, with Karachi-bound trains halted at Lodhran station until the situation was brought under control. The Tezgam Express eventually resumed its journey from Samasata Junction, where four additional coaches were attached to replace the damaged ones.
In response to the derailment, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi ordered a thorough inquiry to determine the exact causes of the accident. This investigation aims to identify any lapses and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Tezgam Express derailment near Lodhran is not an isolated case; a comparable derailment occurred at Rohri station in March last year when one of the train’s bogies slipped off the track, causing delays and inconvenience for hundreds of passengers returning to Karachi after Eid holidays.
Moreover, the country has witnessed several tragic rail accidents in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for modernization of Pakistan’s aging railway infrastructure. In August 2023, a devastating derailment in Nawabshah district resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 80 injuries when approximately ten coaches went off the rails. This incident was among the deadliest in recent memory and underscored the persistent safety challenges faced by the rail network.
Such accidents have repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of Pakistan’s railways, which rely heavily on outdated equipment and infrastructure. Efforts to secure funding for upgrades, including projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, have been ongoing. However, the pace of modernization remains slow, and the risk of accidents continues to loom large. The 2023 Nawabshah tragedy came just two years after a major collision in Sindh in 2021, which claimed the lives of at least 56 people and injured more than 100 others, further emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive reforms in the railway sector.
