ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said on Wednesday that “human error and some mechanical issues” were the likely causes behind the derailment of the Karachi-bound Tezgam Express a day earlier. The accident left 26 passengers injured, including one in critical condition, after seven coaches derailed near Adam Wahan Railway Station in Punjab’s Lodhran district.
Speaking to Dawn, Abbasi said a conclusion could only be drawn after a formal inquiry. However, he indicated that outdated infrastructure and maintenance gaps were probable factors. He criticised Pakistan Railways for relying on ageing equipment, noting that many coaches in operation date back to the 1960s.
He added that authorities have begun refurbishing old coaches, focusing not only on cosmetic upgrades but also on mechanical improvements. Moreover, refurbishment work on the Sukkur Express and Awam Express is currently underway as part of broader efforts to modernise the fleet.
Despite the incident, Abbasi praised the joint response by railway and provincial teams, saying timely rescue operations prevented fatalities. “Thankfully, there was no loss of life,” he said, highlighting the swift emergency response.
Meanwhile, the damaged train later resumed its journey to Karachi with a reduced five-coach configuration. Train driver Tariq Khan said he quickly detected a problem after noticing a sudden drop in load, indicating that the coaches had separated.
Although officials have yet to confirm the exact cause, eyewitnesses suggested that broken couplers between bogies may have split the train into two sections, leading to the derailment.
Separately, Multan Divisional Superintendent Muhammad Hanif Gul announced that strict action would be taken against any officials found negligent following the inquiry.
