Train Derailment Injures Over 25 Near Kala Shah Kaku

A major Islamabad Express derailment near Kala Shah Kaku on Friday left more than 25 passengers injured. The train was heading from Lahore to Islamabad when six bogies went off the track close to Nullah Dek, between Sheikhupura and Muridke. The derailment caused three of the bogies to overturn, triggering panic and chaos among onboard passengers.

Panic After Sudden Derailment

The derailment happened unexpectedly, throwing passengers into confusion. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the train jolted and bogies flipped. Many passengers attempted to rescue each other before emergency crews arrived. The incident disrupted a typically busy route and raised fresh concerns about rail safety in Pakistan.

Immediate Rescue Efforts

Rescue 1122 confirmed that six bogies had left the track, with three toppling over entirely. The injured included men, women, and children. First responders said passengers trapped in compartments were being pulled out manually during the initial moments of confusion. Emergency teams deployed six rescue vehicles to the site, where they started searching the bogies for any stranded individuals.

Eyewitnesses Report Delays

Passengers and onlookers at the scene claimed that emergency teams arrived late. In the absence of immediate assistance, fellow travelers began pulling people out from broken windows and overturned compartments. Some passengers, already injured, risked their own safety to save others.

Eventually, police and Rescue 1122 teams coordinated a formal relief operation. Medical aid was given at the scene, and critically injured passengers were rushed to Muridke Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and Shahdara Teaching Hospital.

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Investigation Underway

The derailment occurred near Nullah Dek, a canal adjacent to the railway line. Rescue and railway officials are investigating the exact cause. Early findings point to broken sections of the railway track found at the crash site. Officials reported that the Islamabad Express was traveling at a speed of 105 km/h when the accident happened.

Relief and medical trains were dispatched from Lahore shortly after the incident to aid the operation. Technical teams began inspecting the track for further safety risks.

Minister Orders Full Inquiry

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi took immediate notice of the derailment. He instructed the Railways CEO and divisional superintendent to reach the accident site without delay. The minister also ordered all staff to prioritize rescue and relief operations.

Medical teams were directed to arrive quickly, while Abbasi demanded a complete inquiry report within seven days. He emphasized that negligence, if found, would be dealt with strictly and that rail safety procedures must be re-evaluated.

Track Conditions Under Scrutiny

This derailment has brought fresh attention to the deteriorating condition of some railway tracks in Pakistan. Locals from nearby areas reported hearing loud cracking sounds before the crash. Railway sources suspect that heat, aging infrastructure, or lack of proper maintenance may have played a role in the track failure.

Authorities will inspect the surrounding stretch of track and conduct safety checks on other parts of the route. Engineers have also been tasked with assessing the structural condition of bogies involved in the derailment.

Passengers Recall Terrifying Moments

Survivors spoke of terrifying moments during and after the derailment. One passenger recalled being jolted awake and finding himself trapped under a seat. Others described windows shattering and luggage falling on them as the bogies tipped. Despite injuries, many passengers joined hands to help each other, showcasing resilience amid the chaos.

A Wake-Up Call for Railway Safety

Friday’s derailment is yet another reminder of the urgent need for investment in Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. Frequent derailments and delays have eroded public confidence in the system. As authorities investigate the root cause of this accident, many hope this incident sparks real reforms—before another tragedy occurs.