Tezgam Express derails near Lodhran, no casualties reported

Eyewitnesses say train split into two parts after a coupling hook connecting the coaches broke

LAHORE:

A Peshawar-to-Karachi Tezgam Express met with an accident near Lodhran after a coupling hook failure caused the train to split into two parts, resulting in multiple coaches derailing.

According to initial reports, the accident occurred when the hook connecting the train’s coaches suddenly broke. Eyewitnesses said seven coaches attached to the engine moved ahead, while the rear coaches derailed, with several overturning.

Preliminary information indicates that seven coaches were affected, of which five overturned while two derailed. The derailment reportedly began from the fourth coach behind the engine.

Despite the severity of the incident, no casualties have been reported so far. Passengers who sustained minor injuries were provided immediate medical assistance.

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The accident triggered panic among passengers, with scenes of widespread alarm and cries for help reported at the site. Local residents quickly joined rescue efforts, assisting in evacuating passengers trapped inside the affected coaches.

Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene promptly and are continuing relief operations. The station master and assistant station master (ASM) of Lodhran are also present, overseeing rescue activities.

According to Pakistan Railways spokesperson, Multan Division has launched an immediate relief operation following the derailment of the Tezgam Express near Lodhran, with a relief train and trucks dispatched to the site.

The spokesperson confirmed that no loss of life had been reported in the accident, while efforts were under way to restore the affected track at the earliest.

“The affected track will be restored shortly,” the spokesperson said, adding that operations were being carried out on an emergency basis.

He said the causes of the derailment would be determined following a detailed investigation.

The railways minister has directed a high-level inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Over a week ago, one person was killed and 12 others injured when the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express collided with a freight train standing on a loop line near Lakha Road Station in Sindh’s Nowshehro Feroz.

This is a developing story.