Another Train Derailment in Punjab Raises Safety Concerns
LAHORE: Just a day after two coaches of the Peshawar-bound Awam Express derailed near Khanpur railway station in Rahim Yar Khan, another incident occurred — this time involving the Multan-bound Musa Pak Express.
In the early hours of Monday, the 116-Down Musa Pak Express went off track near Raiwind, entering the loop line and hitting the sand hump. The derailment left at least four passengers injured, who were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.
According to railway officials, the train’s diesel engine and one passenger coach derailed completely. A relief train was dispatched from Lahore to recover the engine and coach, followed by another locomotive and replacement coach to help resume the journey towards Multan. Many passengers from the affected coach opted to continue their travel by road.
Initial investigation suggests the incident happened because the train exceeded the speed limit and the brakes were not applied in time, causing it to enter the dead-end line. The report states that the 11-coach train, carrying a 450-ton load, departed Jia Bagga station at 1:08 am. At 1:16 am, the engine and one coach derailed after hitting the sand hump at Raiwind station.
Officials have expressed concern over the growing number of railway accidents, which they say are damaging locomotives, coaches, tracks, and signaling systems, while also shaking passenger confidence.
This latest mishap follows several recent derailments:
-
On Sunday, two coaches of the Awam Express derailed near Khanpur, reportedly due to a signaling error.
-
The same day, five coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed in Balochistan following an explosion on the track.
-
On August 2, a Business Express coach derailed at Karachi Cantt Station.
-
On August 1, most coaches of the Islamabad Express derailed between Kala Shah Kaku and Muridke, injuring several passengers.
The series of incidents has prompted renewed calls for urgent safety measures and better maintenance to restore public trust in train travel.
