MULTAN: Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said on Tuesday that the Rehman Baba Express had undergone mechanical attention at Samasatta Railway Junction before derailing near Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district, raising questions about the cause of the accident.
At least four people, including a girl, were killed and more than 40 others injured when several coaches of the Peshawar-bound train derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station at around 6am on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media at the accident site, Abbasi said the train had been ‘mechanically addressed’ at Samasatta and questioned how it could have derailed after the inspection.
The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered an investigation into the incident and assured that those found responsible would be held accountable.
Abbasi said compensation would be provided to the deceased passengers and injured victims in accordance with Pakistan Railways’ insurance policy.
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Accepting responsibility as the railways minister, he said ensuring safe travel for passengers was his duty and that no one could be absolved of responsibility for the incident.
Technical Fault Reportedly Detected Before Accident
Meanwhile, railway sources revealed that a technical fault had reportedly been detected in coach No. 9 of the Rehman Baba Express before the accident.
According to the sources, the train was stopped near Rohri during its journey, where the coach was inspected. A passenger also claimed that the nuts and bolts of coach No. 9 had been tightened during the stop.
The derailment near Sher Shah Railway Station reportedly caused a loud bang as the coaches left the tracks.
However, railway officials said it was too early to determine the exact cause of the accident.
A high-level inquiry committee comprising technical officers and officials nominated by Pakistan Railways headquarters in Lahore has arrived at the site to collect evidence and investigate the incident.
Minister Vows Action Against Those Responsible
Abbasi said a thorough investigation would be conducted and that anyone found responsible would face action.
He acknowledged longstanding concerns over the condition of Pakistan Railways’ tracks and rolling stock, saying work was underway to improve the railway infrastructure.
The minister also disclosed that more than half of the department’s freight trains had been operating without brakes, adding that December 31, 2026, was the deadline set for addressing issues involving freight trains.
Abbasi noted that train accidents had occurred in other countries, including the United Kingdom and European nations, but stressed that the incident would be investigated and those responsible would not be spared.
Prime Minister Orders Investigation
Taking notice of the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue and relief operations and ensure that the injured received immediate and the best possible medical treatment.