Rehman Baba Express Derails Near Multan, Killing at Least Five and Injuring Dozens

At least five people died and more than 40 were injured when the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Railway Station on the outskirts of Multan early on Tuesday. The train, travelling from Karachi to Peshawar, was moving at about 100 km/h when the incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. local time. All 14 coaches left the tracks.

Pakistan Railways CEO Muhammad Hafeezullah confirmed the death toll to Dawn and said the number of injured exceeded 40. Some reports later placed the dead at six or seven, with rescue workers still clearing the last coach. Passengers were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where an emergency was declared. A toddler was reported missing after being thrown from a seat during the jolt.

An initial investigation identified a metal rod from the braking system of the second coach as the likely cause. The rod became trapped in a track switch, overturning the coach and pulling the following carriages off the rails. Train driver Rizwan Abbas told Dawn the signal was clear and that he felt a sudden push before applying the brakes. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi visited the site. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a full inquiry and directed authorities to speed medical care for the injured.

A replacement train carrying more than 500 passengers left Sher Shah later in the day. Buses were arranged for those who preferred road travel. Services on the Jaffar Express and Tezgam Express were rerouted, delaying their arrival in Lahore. Rescue 1122 teams worked for several hours, cutting open one coach to free trapped passengers.

The accident is the latest on a network that has seen repeated derailments linked to track and rolling-stock condition. Officials have not yet released a final count of the dead or a complete list of the injured. The search for the missing child continued into the afternoon. Further findings from the probe ordered by the Prime Minister are expected in the coming days.