LAHORE: At least 25 people were injured as four coaches of the Islamabad Express passenger train derailed near Kala Shah Kaku in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district on Friday, spokesperson Punjab Rescue said.
The official said that the rescue control room received information at 7:32 pm that the train has derailed near the Itehad Chemicals plant in Kala Shah Kaku. The train was en route from Lahore to Rawalpindi when the incident occurred.
The Rescue Spokesperson Farooq Ahmed confirmed that the search and rescue operation has been completed, stating that more than 6 emergency vehicles and more than 25 rescuers were engaged.
“Most of the passengers suffered scratches, bruises, and skin injuries, and 25 were given first aid,” he was quoted as saying.
The official said that initially, 22 people were given first aid, and 7 were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Muridke for treatment.
The statement added that two individuals, Mujahid Hussain and Muhammad Bashir, were trapped in the derailed carriages and both have been rescued.
“A full search operation is being carried out in all the bogies so that no passenger is trapped,” the Rescue spokesperson said.
The authority statement added that the initial rescue operation has been completed, and there is no information yet about anyone being killed in the accident.
The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi took notice of the derailment and directed the CEO of Railways and the divisional superintendent to reach the scene and oversee the situation.
The minister also ordered a detailed inquiry into the accident and instructed that a report be submitted within seven days.
