One dead, 33 injured after four coaches of Karachi-bound train derail in Punjab’s Lodhran

One dead, 33 injured after four coaches of Karachi-bound train derail in Punjab’s Lodhran
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At least one person died and 33 others were injured after four coaches of the Karachi-bound Awami Express derailed near Lodhran Railway Station in Punjab late on August 17, Dawn E-Paper reported. The train, traveling from Lahore to Karachi, experienced brake failure which caused the derailment. Eleven injured passengers received medical aid at the site, while others were rushed to Lodhran District Hospital. Two critically injured individuals were transferred to Bahawalpur for further treatment.

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi expressed condolences and vowed disciplinary action against those responsible. He ordered an inquiry with a report due in seven days and emphasized ongoing reforms within the railways department to improve safety. The minister also directed the restoration of the damaged track and announced an emergency meeting at Pakistan Railway Headquarters. Passengers were accommodated on an alternate train.

This incident follows recent derailments involving the Awam Express near Khanpur and the Islamabad Express near Sheikhupura, raising concerns about Pakistan Railways’ safety standards.