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A train derailment accident in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province killed at least five and injured over 30 on Tuesday.
The train was traveling from the southern port city of Karachi to northwestern Peshawar when the accident occurred around 5.15 am (0015GMT), according to a passenger.
“We have appointed the FGIR to probe the incident. However, I cannot confirm that five passengers have died, as the railway’s divisional superintendent in Multan has reported four deaths,” Pakistan's Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi told Dawn.
Pakistan Railways’ casualty list shows 41 injured, with three discharged from hospital and 38 sent to Multan’s Nishtar Hospital.
The victims include at least 13 minors.
All 14 coaches of the Rehman Baba Express left the tracks near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, another Pakistani news outlet, Geo News, reported, quoting police and rescue officials.
Pakistan Railways opened round-the-clock help desks at all major stations to assist travelers after the crash.
Divisional commercial officers were told to arrange alternative travel and ticket refunds where needed.
Pakistan Railways said services running through Lodhran and Jahanian are completely back to normal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the accident and directed authorities to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured.
Pakistan has witnessed several deadly railway accidents in the past.
In August 2023, at least 30 people were killed and over 100 injured when the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah in southern Sindh province, according to Geo News.
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