Hundreds stranded as train derails

Many faced difficulties due to the heat and delay in their journey

BHAKKAR: A horrific incident occurred involving the Thal Express en route to Rawalpindi from Multan on Monday at Kallur Kot near Umer Kot. An accident took place when five bogies derailed and the Thal Express could not maintain control while moving over the sand.

Hundreds of passengers, including men, women, children and the elderly faced difficulties due to the scorching heat. The passengers, belonging to nearby places, disembarked and left for their destinations on their own. However, people who were still far away from their destinations continued facing difficulties due to the heat and the delay in their journey. More than 1,500 passengers were stuck in the area.



Kallur Kot Assistant Commissioner Zahoor Ranjha told The Express Tribune that relief trains were being sent from Kundiyan to assist the stranded passengers and a rescue operation will begin soon. “Food and water are being arranged for the passengers.” He added that senior officials have been contacted and mechanical staff is arriving. Apart from railway police and technical staff, the railway officers have also reached the spot. The railway track will be restored in the next few hours.

The passenger Thal Express consists of eight bogies when travelling from Multan to Rawalpindi. No casualties took place in the accident. The financial loss due to the derailment of bogies will be determined by the railway authority. It is still too early to estimate the financial loss caused by the incident.

A railway officer said, “We are aware of the passengers’ difficulties but it will take some time before relief trains arrive.” He added that formal proceedings and legal action will begin afterwards. “The track cannot be restored unless the track of the railway line is repaired. Therefore, the railway track is temporarily closed and all transportation has been suspended.”

A passenger commented on the situation, saying that the elderly and children are the most affected due to severe heat.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2019.