In a devastating incident, a train derailment in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province resulted in at least 28 fatalities and left dozens of others injured. The unfortunate incident occurred during the journey of the Hazara Express, which was en route from Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, to Rawalpindi.
Approximately 275 km (171 miles) from Karachi, near the Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, the train encountered a derailment, causing ten railway cars to leave the tracks. Rescue teams immediately rushed to the scene, witnessing passengers trying to aid each other by breaking glass to escape the wreckage.
According to Pakistan Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, the train was not traveling at high speed at the time of the derailment, estimated to be around 45 kilometers per hour (about 28 mph). An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the tragedy, considering the possibility of mechanical failure or sabotage.
Regrettably, local media reported that numerous passengers were trapped inside the carriages shortly after the accident. Distressing footage depicted people desperately breaking windows to assist in the rescue efforts. The injured were swiftly transported to local hospitals via dozens of ambulances and private vehicles, prompting a state of emergency in the medical facilities.
The Hazara Express, a daily passenger train that covers a vast distance from Karachi to Havelian in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, spans approximately 1,600 kilometers and takes around 33 hours to complete the journey.
Unfortunately, train accidents are not uncommon in Pakistan due to poorly-maintained railway tracks, antiquated signaling systems, and outdated communications infrastructure. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and modernization in the country’s railway network to prevent future tragedies.
