LODHRAN: A train accident involving the Awam Express, traveling from Peshawar to Karachi, occurred near Lodhran at approximately 2 AM. The accident resulted in one death and over 20 injuries, according to rescue and railway officials.
Rescue sources reported that one passenger died at the scene, while more than 20 were injured, six of whom are in critical condition. An emergency was declared at District Hospital Lodhran to accommodate the injured.
Sources said that 18 injured passengers were transferred to District Headquarter Hospital in Lodhran, and two others were shifted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital due to the severity of their injuries. More than 20 other passengers received first aid at the site.
According to Deputy Commissioner Dr Lubna Nazir, four bogies of the train derailed. The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined. Authorities said an investigation will be conducted to establish the reasons behind the incident.
Passengers trapped in the bogies were rescued and transported to local hospitals. A replacement train was dispatched to continue the journey for the affected passengers.
As per latest updates, the rescue operation at the site has been completed, and passengers are being relocated using a relief train.
INCREASE IN DERAILING ACCIDENTS
This is the third time in August when derailment of a train has been reported. Last Sunday, three bogies of the Awam Express derailed in Rahim Yar Khan, leading to the suspension of train movement on the down track.
According to railway officials, that train was also travelling from Peshawar to Karachi when the incident occurred at Khanpur City Gate.
Earlier in August, an Islamabad-bound train derailed near Kala Shah Kaku, resulting in injuries to 30 passengers. Rescuers and the Pakistan Railways high-ups rushed the scene to deal with the accident.
Five coaches of the Islamabad Express had derailed in the incident that took place along Nullah Dek between Kala Shah Kaku and Muridke.
