23 dummy wagons caused derailment

A preliminary inquiry into the Yousafwala coal train accident has identified the operation of dummy wagons and inadequate braking power as key factors behind the incident, according to an initial investigation report.

The preliminary report, issued in the form of a joint certificate, states that the train was operating with 23 dummy wagons and insufficient braking power, conditions that were identified as contributing factors in the accident.

The inquiry also places responsibility on the Pakistan Railways Carriage and Wagon Branch, holding it accountable for the operational shortcomings identified in the initial findings.

The report further notes that the Yousafwala coal train was being operated with 50 dummy wagons.

The revelation comes as the Pakistan Railways' ageing and deteriorating infrastructure has slowed passenger and freight trains to a crawl while raising concerns over operational safety as a string of recent accidents and flood-related disruptions expose the fragile state of the country's rail network.

Despite trains operating far below their prescribed speeds, four to five accidents over the past two months have underscored growing risks for passengers, railway staff and freight operators, placing billions of rupees worth of commercial cargo at stake.

The situation has been compounded by recent flooding, which has temporarily suspended rail services on the Faisalabad route and between Faisalabad and Karachi, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and costing PR millions of rupees in daily revenue losses.