A major train accident occurred in Lodhran, Pakistan. Four bogies of the Peshawar-Karachi passenger train derailed, resulting in 1 death and over 20 injuries.
Lahore: A major train accident occurred in Pakistan on Sunday, once again raising questions about railway safety. Near Lodhran Railway Station in the Punjab province, four bogies of a passenger train traveling from Peshawar to Karachi suddenly derailed. The accident resulted in the immediate death of one passenger, while more than 20 people were injured. The condition of two injured passengers is reported to be critical. The train compartments were severely damaged after the accident, causing chaos at the scene.
How the Accident Happened
According to reports, the train was moving towards Karachi at its normal speed. A sudden jolt was felt some distance from Lodhran Railway Station, and four bogies derailed. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident was so severe that there was screaming and shouting among the passengers. Many people were trapped as the compartments went off the rails, and rescue teams had to work for hours to extract them.
Rescue Operation and Assistance to the Injured
Relief and rescue operations were immediately initiated under the direction of local administration and railway officials. According to a Geo News report, at least 19 passengers were safely extracted from the train wreckage in this accident. All the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lubna Nazir stated that the condition of two of the injured is very critical and they are receiving treatment.
Cause of the Accident Still Unclear
The real cause of this train accident is not yet known. Railway officials say that a preliminary investigation is underway, and technical experts are investigating the matter. It is speculated that a technical fault in the track or the train's speed may have caused the accident. The route had to be closed for a few hours after the accident, but train traffic has now resumed.
Recurring Train Accidents
This is not the first time a train has derailed in Pakistan. There have been several major accidents in recent times. Last Monday, the Musa Pak Express also derailed in a similar manner, injuring five passengers. In addition, ten coaches of the Islamabad Express, traveling from Lahore to Islamabad, derailed, injuring about 30 passengers. These recurring incidents have raised serious questions about the safety and maintenance of Pakistan Railways.
Increased Fear and Concern Among Passengers
There is an atmosphere of fear among passengers due to the लगातार recurring accidents. The general public says that train travel no longer feels safe. Many passengers have demanded that the railway management conduct regular track inspections and take strict steps to repair trains.
Response of Railway Officials
Pakistan Railway officials have stated that the exact cause will only be clear after a detailed investigation report of the accident is received. Officials have also assured that no effort will be spared in the treatment of the injured. The railway administration has also announced compensation for the families of the deceased.