At Least Five Killed, More Than 30 Injured as Rehman Baba Express Derails in Multan
At least five people have been killed and more than 30 others injured after the Peshawar-bound Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station in Punjab’s Multan district on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson confirmed the fatalities to Dawn, while Rescue 1122 officials initially reported a higher number of injured passengers. Emergency teams launched rescue operations at the scene to assist those affected by the accident.
Railway Minister Orders Investigation
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi expressed sorrow over the loss of life and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
According to an official statement, the minister directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to injured passengers. He also said compensation would be provided to the victims and their families in accordance with Pakistan Railways’ insurance policy.
Abbasi travelled to the accident site to assess the situation and review rescue efforts. He also instructed the inspector of railways to investigate the cause of the derailment.
Meanwhile, railway authorities announced that train operations through Lodhran and Jahanian had been fully restored.
Train Driver Describes the Incident
Rehman Baba Express driver Rizwan Abbas told Dawn that the train was travelling at approximately 100 kilometres per hour when the incident occurred.
He said the signal was clear as the train passed through the Sher Shah station area, but he suddenly felt a strong jolt. The driver applied the brakes and brought the locomotive to a stop.
According to Abbas, he then discovered that passenger coaches had derailed and were lying off the tracks. He maintained that the train had been in working condition before the incident.
The exact cause of the derailment had not been established in the initial reports.
Alternative Travel Arrangements for Passengers
Pakistan Railways established round-the-clock information and assistance desks at major railway stations to help passengers affected by the accident.
Divisional Commercial Officers were directed to arrange alternative travel options and facilitate ticket refunds where necessary.
A replacement train carrying more than 500 passengers departed from Sher Shah Railway Station, according to an official statement. Buses were also arranged in coordination with the Multan district administration for passengers who wanted to continue their journeys by road.
Railway commercial staff across the affected network were placed on high alert to provide assistance and minimise inconvenience.
Series of Derailments Raises Safety Concerns
The latest incident comes amid a series of railway accidents reported across Pakistan in recent months, renewing concerns about track conditions, maintenance practices and operational safety.
On October 1, the Shalimar Express and Pakistan Express reportedly narrowly avoided major accidents following derailments. A separate minor incident involving the Jaffar Express was also reported near Gujar Khan.
At the time, Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer Hafeezullah attributed the accidents to maintenance shortcomings over the previous five years, while saying that maintenance measures had since been undertaken.
Several other incidents were reported in August. A coal train derailed near Firoza Railway Station between Khanpur and Liaquatpur, while the Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran in Jhelum district, disrupting railway operations.
The Hazara Express also suffered an accident near Havelian on August 4, followed by a derailment involving the Bulleh Shah Passenger train on August 5.
Earlier incidents included the derailment of the Lahore-bound Tezgam between Hyderabad and Kotri on July 28 and a breakdown involving the Thal Express near Muzaffargarh on the same day.
In July, the Shalimar Express derailed near Khanewal, a Bulleh Shah Passenger coach came off the tracks in Lahore, and four Hazara Express coaches reportedly derailed near Karachi Cantt Railway Station.
The latest accident is likely to intensify calls for improved railway maintenance, stronger safety inspections and a thorough investigation into the causes of recurring derailments. Authorities are expected to determine the factors behind Tuesday’s incident as the investigation progresses.
