NAWABSHAH: At least 36 people were killed and over 80 injured in a tragic train derailment accident near Sahara Railway Station in Nawabshah district of Pakistan’s Sindh province here on Sunday, Mayor Karachi said. The accident occurred when as many as 10 bogies of the Havelian-bound Hazara Express went off track, causing devastation and disrupting train operations in the region.
Commissioner Abbas Baloch confirmed the casualties and the extent of injuries caused by the derailment, which occurred approximately 275 kilometers away from Karachi. Rescue efforts were swiftly launched by local authorities and people present at the site, with the assistance of police personnel and medical teams.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Younis Chandio reported that nine out of the 10 wrecked bogies had been cleared, and rescue teams managed to pull out the injured and deceased passengers. However, one bogie remained trapped, requiring heavy machinery for clearance.
As the reason behind the train derailment remains unknown, authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause. Meanwhile, the wounded passengers were immediately shifted to the People’s Medical Hospital in Nawabshah, which has the capacity to cater to around 1,000 people.
The train operations to and from the interior districts of Sindh were suspended in the aftermath of the crash, affecting thousands of commuters. Railway authorities estimate that it may take up to 18 hours to restore operations fully.
Train was Probably Over Loaded
There are concerns that the ill-fated train was carrying a large number of passengers, possibly exceeding its capacity, which may lead to more significant material and life losses. The Hazara Express consisted of 17 bogies with a capacity of 950 passengers in its economy class and 72 in its air-conditioned standard coach.
Rescue efforts were further reinforced by the Pakistan Army and Rangers, who promptly joined the relief activities under the special instructions of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. Additional troops, along with army aviation helicopters, were dispatched to the accident site to assist with rescue operations and provide aid to the rescued passengers.
During a press conference, Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique stated that relief efforts would be prioritized before launching an investigation into the cause of the accident. He also announced that emergency measures had been imposed in hospitals in Sukkur to cater to the injured.
Accidents on Pakistan’s aging rail system have been a recurring issue, prompting the government’s efforts to secure funds for upgrading the rail network, particularly under China’s Belt and Road Initiative for infrastructure projects. With the recent spate of deadly train accidents, authorities are increasingly concerned about the safety and maintenance of the country’s railway infrastructure.
