MULTAN (Kashmir English): A significant revelation has emerged from the preliminary investigation into the Rehman Baba Express train accident near Multan.
According to a joint certificate from the Railway Department, a dangling component of the train’s second coach caused the accident; specifically, the ‘brace bar hanger’ of the front bogie of coach number 12430-6 struck the crossing block.
The joint report states that the coach component became lodged in the nose of the crossing, causing one coach to derail, which was followed by the derailment of 13 additional coaches of the Rahman Baba Express. Both the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ tracks were affected by the incident.
The report notes that the train’s engine and luggage van had passed the crossing safely—with the Rehman Baba Express carrying a load of 672 tons—and the remaining part of the brace bar hanger was recovered at the accident site.
Other train components were also found lodged in the crossing, and the preliminary investigation has concluded that the accident was caused by the dangling coach component getting stuck in the crossing.
Rehman Baba Express derails near Multan, 5 passengers died
Earlier, the Rehman Baba Express, traveling from Karachi to Peshawar, met with a horrific accident near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan.
The entire train derailed, and several coaches overturned, resulting in the deaths of five passengers and injuries to more than twelve others.
According to details, the accident occurred at approximately 5:15 AM, prompting immediate action from relief agencies. Rescue officials stated that the injured have been shifted to Nishtar Hospital, Multan, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Following the accident, passengers were seen sitting along the tracks with their belongings. Preliminary reports indicate that the train derailed near Sher Shah Bridge while en route from Karachi to Peshawar.
Pak Army’s Swift Rescue
Immediately after the accident, a Pakistan Army relief contingent arrived at the site to participate in the rescue operation.
Relief operations by the Army contingent are proceeding rapidly at the affected railway track. All those injured in the train accident have been immediately shifted to Nishtar Hospital, Multan, for medical treatment.
Some sources have claimed that the train was speeding at the time of the incident; however, the actual cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
According to a passenger, repairs had been made to the nuts and bolts of coach number 9 of the Rehman Baba Express near Rohri. This statement could not be independently verified, and it remains unclear whether there is any connection to the accident.
