A tragic railway accident occurred late Saturday night when four coaches of the Karachi-bound Awam Express derailed near Lodhran Railway Station in Punjab. The incident resulted in one death and 33 injuries, highlighting once again the persistent safety challenges within Pakistan’s railway system.
According to rescue officials, the derailment happened as the train was traveling from Lahore to Karachi. Preliminary findings suggest that the coaches derailed due to a brake failure, causing them to overturn near the station.
Casualty and Medical Response
Out of the 33 injured passengers, 11 received on-site medical treatment, while the remaining were transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Lodhran. Two of the critically injured were later shifted to Bahawalpur for specialized medical care.
Authorities confirmed that the rest of the passengers were safely accommodated in an alternate train to continue their journey to Karachi.
Minister Orders Inquiry and Disciplinary Action
Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured strict accountability. He ordered a formal inquiry into the derailment, directing officials to submit a detailed report within seven days.
“No one can be allowed to play with human lives. Strict disciplinary measures will be taken against those found responsible,” the minister said.
He also emphasized that railway reforms are underway to enhance passenger safety and improve infrastructure, promising visible improvements in the near future.
Track Restoration and Emergency Measures
Following the derailment, railway authorities immediately began restoration work on the damaged track, while trains scheduled to pass through Lodhran were diverted to alternate routes. An emergency meeting has been scheduled at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters, to be presided over by the minister, who also plans to visit the accident site personally.
Recent Railway Accidents Raise Safety Concerns
The Lodhran derailment is the latest in a series of train accidents that have raised serious concerns about rail safety in Pakistan.
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Just days earlier, two coaches of the Peshawar-bound Awam Express derailed near Khanpur railway station, injuring several passengers.
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Around the same time, the Multan-bound Musa Pak Express also went off track in a separate incident.
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Earlier this month, Islamabad Express derailed near Kala Shah Kaku in Sheikhupura, injuring at least 29 people and causing significant damage to railway infrastructure.
These repeated accidents have intensified calls for urgent reforms, better maintenance of railway tracks, and modernization of Pakistan’s railway system.
The Lodhran train derailment of 2025 once again exposes the vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s aging railway network. While the government has pledged reforms and accountability, families of victims and passengers demand swift action to prevent further tragedies.
Until significant structural and safety upgrades are implemented, the risk of derailments and accidents is likely to remain a pressing concern for the millions who rely on rail transport across the country.
