The Pakistan train derailment at Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, located 275 kilometres from Karachi, has resulted in 30 people losing their lives and around 100 others sustaining injuries. Around 1000 passengers were on board when the accident occurred on the Hazara Express, which connects different parts of the country.
The train was Rawalpindi-bound.
Eyewitnesses reported that several train carriages overturned when the incident occurred. Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, freeing passengers trapped in the wreckage. Wounded individuals were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while survivors and bystanders did their best to lend a helping hand.
Social media was flooded with videos depicting the Pakistan train derailment aftermath. Many passengers were seen climbing out of the overturned carriages, while others were found lying on the ground, waiting for assistance.
One survivor, Naseer Ahmed, described seeing numerous women and children lying unconscious on the ground. Ahmed fell out of a window as the train derailed, avoiding the stronger impact inside the carriage.
Ihtesham Ali searched for his family in the chaos. Seven family members and 22 neighbours from his community were missing, with only four found so far.
Pakistan’s railway accidents have been common in recent years.
In 2021, two trains collided in Sindh province, resulting in the death of at least 40 people and injuring numerous others. Local media reports have indicated that between 2013 and 2019, a staggering 150 people lost their lives in similar train-related incidents.
Authorities are launching a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the Nawabshah derailment. Railway Minister Saad Rafiq stated that preliminary findings suggested the train was operating at normal speed. The exact reasons behind the incident remain unclear. The investigation considers various possibilities, including mechanical failure or potential sabotage.
Initial reports suggest the track might have been flooded, though authorities dismiss such claims.
To cope with the overwhelming number of casualties, the main hospitals in Nawabshah and neighbouring districts of Sindh declared an emergency.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon assured the public that the government’s primary focus is on rescue and relief work. All available resources are utilised to provide aid to the affected individuals and their families during this trying time.
Senior railway officer Mohsin Sayal informed the public that train traffic on the main railway line had been suspended as repair trains were dispatched to the accident scene. The priority is to clear the tracks, assess the damage, and conduct a thorough investigation to understand the cause of the derailment.
Alternative travel arrangements are being made to accommodate passengers on the Hazara Express.
