At least six people have died and more than 30 others have suffered injuries after a train derailed near Multan. Rescue teams have completed their operation following the accident involving the Rahman Baba Express near Sher Shah Bridge.
The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar when all 15 coaches derailed. According to reports, the accident occurred around 5:15 am. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the incident.
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A passenger said railway staff had repaired nuts and bolts on coach number nine near Rohri. However, officials have not established whether this maintenance work was connected to the derailment. The investigation remains underway as authorities collect evidence.
Rescue officials recovered another body from one of the affected coaches, raising the confirmed death toll to six. More than 30 injured passengers were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Hospital authorities also declared an emergency to manage the incoming casualties.
Meanwhile, railway officials said it was too early to determine what caused the accident. A committee is investigating the incident and gathering evidence. Officials also expected to restore the down track within three to four hours.
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The accident has prompted action from senior government officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the derailment and expressed condolences over the loss of life. He directed the relevant authorities to speed up rescue efforts and ensure proper medical treatment for injured passengers.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi also ordered the provision of appropriate medical facilities for injured passengers. He expressed sympathy with the families of those who died and said compensation would follow railway insurance rules. Meanwhile, search efforts continued for a missing 18-month-old girl, while railway authorities arranged another coach to transport affected passengers to the railway station.