At least six people were killed and 30 others injured when the Rehman Baba Express left the tracks near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan early on Tuesday, police and rescue officials said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the crash and expressed concern for those hurt.
Sharif directed the relevant authorities to speed up rescue work and make sure the injured receive the best possible care without delay. The wounded were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan.
Rescue work continues at the Multan derailment site
Officials said 13 of the train’s 14 coaches have been cleared, while rescuers are still working in one. A passenger put the time of the accident at around 5:15am. Earlier police information said the train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar.
Details about the condition of the injured and the circumstances of the deaths are still awaited.
Passenger claims about repairs before the crash
A passenger told reporters that workers had repaired the nuts and bolts on coach number nine near Rohri before the accident. That claim has not been verified by officials.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been officially established. Pakistan Railways and other relevant authorities are expected to release more information as rescue operations progress.
Earlier railway disaster in Sindh raised safety concerns
The crash adds to a series of serious rail incidents in Pakistan. In August 2023, the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah in Sindh, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 100. That disaster renewed concerns about railway safety and maintenance.
