A passenger train derailed on Sunday, August 6, resulting in at least 30 deaths and leaving dozens of passengers injured.
The Hazara Express, traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi, experienced a derailment of ten cars near the Sarhari railway station in Nawabshah, as confirmed by a senior railway official.
Senior police representative Abid Baloch noted that the casualties included women and children. Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene to assist trapped passengers, concluding their operations by Sunday evening. Those injured were transported to Peoples Hospital in Nawabshah.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, during an event in Punjab, conveyed his sympathies and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured. He also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
The main railway line saw a temporary halt to accommodate repair efforts. The potential reasons for the derailment, as suggested by Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafiq, could be a mechanical issue or possible sabotage. An official inquiry has been initiated.
This derailment follows a previous incident two months ago when the Millat Express train derailed and was struck by the Sir Syed Express train near Daharki, causing significant casualties.
Ongoing concerns about the state of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, including outdated signaling systems, have been highlighted by such incidents.
