ISLAMABAD - At least one passenger was killed and several others were injured when four bogies of the Awam Express, traveling from Lahore to Karachi derailed near Lodhran Railway Station in wee hours of Sunday.
According to details, the accident occurred due to a brake failure.
A railway official informed that the malfunction caused the train to lose control, leading to the derailment of four bogies near Lodhran Railway Station and claimed one life on the spot while other several injured, media news channels reported.
The official added that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and to assess any possible negligence. Rescue and security forces promptly reached the site of the accident and shifted the injured passengers to the district hospital for medical treatment. Efforts are also made to secure the area and assist in clearing the derailed bogies. DS Railway said that the railway track will be restored soon, and efforts are underway to clear the debris and resume train operations at the earliest possible time.
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that there will be no compromise on safety and declared an open war against negligence within Pakistan Railways. He made these remarks while presiding over an emergency meeting at Railways Headquarters on Sunday, where he received a detailed briefing on train operation safety measures.
Expressing strong displeasure over recent incidents of train derailments, the minister said, “Incompetent officers confined to air-conditioned rooms have no right to remain in Railways.” Issuing a stern warning, Abbasi said, “Either improve safety matters or opt for retirement.”
The minister directed officials to immediately remove dummy coaches from the system, even if it required suspending train services. He also instructed continuous trolley inspections of tracks to ensure their safety for smooth operations and ordered that the vigilance department be equipped with all necessary facilities.
Highlighting the importance of locomotive staff, he said, “Train drivers hold the lives of 1,100 passengers in their hands; they must undergo refresher courses.” Abbasi further directed that instead of extending contracts for luggage and brake vans, the process must be carried out through transparent open auctions.
