In a tragic incident, the Hazara Express train traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi derailed near Sarhari railway station in Nawabshah, Pakistan. The horrifying accident claimed the lives of at least 33 people, leaving more than 80 others injured. The news was reported by Pakistani news channels PTV and Geo News, prompting immediate rescue operations and the declaration of an emergency at nearby hospitals.

Chaos and Rescue Efforts

The derailment caused chaos and devastation as passengers were trapped in the overturned and damaged train coaches. Rescue workers and policemen, along with brave volunteers, worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the wreckage and transport them to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.

Nawabshah DC Shaharyar Gul Memon stated that the rescue operation was ongoing, and ambulances were deployed to provide relief to the injured. However, the reasons behind the train’s derailment are yet to be determined, leaving authorities with the task of conducting a thorough investigation.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Accident

The conflicting reports about the number of coaches derailed only added to the uncertainty surrounding the accident. Some sources cited five derailed coaches, while others mentioned eight or even ten. As the situation unfolded, authorities were confronted with a grim and challenging rescue mission.

The Aftermath and Investigation

In the aftermath of the accident, traffic on the up track was suspended, leading to further disruptions in train services in the region. The superintendent of Sukkur Railway Division, Mahmudur Rahman, expressed concern about the severity of the incident. Railway Minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq, addressing a press conference, stated that preliminary reports suggested the train was running at normal speed. However, the possibility of sabotage or mechanical faults cannot be ruled out at this stage.

Frequent Train Accidents in Pakistan

Regrettably, train accidents are not uncommon in Pakistan, and various factors contribute to these unfortunate incidents. Outdated track maintenance systems, signaling problems, technical equipment issues, and aging engines are some of the persistent challenges that the country’s railway system faces.

Past Tragedies

In the past, Pakistan has witnessed several devastating train accidents. One of the worst incidents occurred near Sukkur in 1990, claiming the lives of 307 people. In recent years, there have been reports of other accidents, such as the one involving the Karachi-Sialkot-bound Allama Iqbal Express, where three coaches derailed without causing injuries.

Call for Immediate Assistance

In response to the tragedy, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Sindh government to provide prompt medical treatment to the injured passengers. He also called upon the workers of his political party, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), to actively participate in the relief and rescue efforts.

Conclusion

The train accident near Sarhari railway station has left Pakistan in mourning, with numerous families grieving the loss of their loved ones. It highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and modernization of the railway infrastructure in the country.

FAQs

1. What caused the train accident?
   • The exact cause of the train derailment is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.
2. How many people were injured in the accident?
   • Over 80 people were reported injured in the horrific train accident.
3. Is this the first train accident in Pakistan?
   • No, train accidents have occurred in Pakistan in the past due to various reasons.
4. Are rescue operations still ongoing?
   • Yes, the rescue operations are still underway to find and assist any survivors.
5. What steps are being taken to prevent such accidents in the future?
   • Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation and implement necessary safety measures to prevent similar accidents.