In a distressing incident late Tuesday night, the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express train derailed near Adam Wahan Railway Station on the Bahawalpur-Lodhran track, resulting in injuries to at least 26 passengers. Among those injured, one individual remains in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the accident which saw seven coaches of the train overturn.
The Tezgam Express, which had embarked on its journey from Lahore earlier that day, encountered a major mishap when five of its bogies toppled over during the derailment. This sudden accident trapped several passengers inside the overturned coaches, prompting immediate rescue efforts to save those affected.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, including Lodhran Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hafiz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Liaquat Gilani, police personnel, and Rescue 1122 units. Their coordinated efforts focused on extracting passengers from the wreckage, with rescue operations continuing well into the night. By approximately 10:30 PM, teams were still actively working to free those trapped inside the damaged coaches.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far, but the injuries sustained by the passengers range in severity. Pakistan Railways spokesperson Kaleem Ahmed confirmed that all injured individuals received prompt medical attention. Rescue 1122 officials detailed that out of the 26 injured, 17 were treated on-site with first aid, while nine others, including a woman, were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Lodhran for further treatment. Among these hospitalized patients, one remains in a critical state.
To accommodate the influx of patients, hospital authorities have allocated wards with a total capacity of 35 beds specifically for those injured in the derailment. This preparedness aims to ensure that all victims receive the necessary care and support during their recovery.
While investigations into the cause of the derailment are still underway, initial eyewitness accounts suggest a possible mechanical failure. Some passengers and onlookers reported that a malfunction in the couplers connecting the train’s bogies may have caused the train to split into two parts. The section attached to the engine reportedly derailed, triggering the accident. Railway officials have launched a formal inquiry to ascertain the exact reasons behind this unfortunate event.
Meanwhile, railway traffic on the affected Bahawalpur-Lodhran track has been suspended to facilitate rescue and repair operations. A relief train has been dispatched from Samasatta to assist with passenger transportation and recovery efforts. Pakistan Railways authorities have pledged to take strict action against any individuals found responsible for negligence or lapses contributing to the derailment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring railway safety and the importance of rigorous maintenance and monitoring of train operations. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the injured and preventing such accidents in the future.
