What Caused the Derailment of the Awam Express in Lodhran?
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Synopsis
A tragic train derailment near Lodhran railway station in Pakistan has left one dead and more than two dozen injured. The Awam Express was en route from Peshawar to Karachi when disaster struck early Sunday. Join us as we delve into the details of this unfortunate incident and its implications for railway safety.
Key Takeaways
- One person died in the Awam Express derailment near Lodhran.
- At least 24 passengers injured, including women and children.
- Investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing.
- Rescue teams completed evacuation operations successfully.
- Calls for improved railway safety measures have been emphasized.
Islamabad, Aug 17 (NationPress) Tragically, one person lost their life and at least 24 others sustained injuries when four carriages of the Awam Express, traveling from Peshawar to Karachi, derailed near the Lodhran railway station in Pakistan early on Sunday, according to local media reports.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lodhran, Lubna Nazir, reported that among the injured were 16 men, four women, and three children, as reported by Geo News. Out of those injured, 17 received first aid and were released, while three passengers were being treated at the District Headquarters Hospital but are reported to be out of danger.
Initially, the official stated that 19 individuals were affected, but the number of injured rose as more passengers were evacuated from the derailed train. Early reports indicated that the injured were transported to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for treatment, where one person unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
Rescue teams successfully completed the evacuation operations on the train. Nazir commented, "The precise cause of the derailment is still under investigation."
Khawaja Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Railways, expressed his condolences regarding the fatality and mandated an inquiry into the incident. He urged officials to provide a report within seven days and emphasized the necessity for comprehensive medical care for all injured individuals. Abbasi added that no trains were affected on the up track and directed the swift restoration of the down track.
In a related incident in July, three coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed following a blast on the railway track near Shikarpur in Sindh, resulting in one injury and disrupting train services in the vicinity. Similarly, in June, five coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed due to an explosion near Jacobabad, although there were no reported casualties.
Point of View
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues of railway safety in Pakistan. While investigations are set to uncover the cause, it is crucial that we prioritize passenger safety to prevent future incidents. The nation stands united in offering support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Awam Express derailment?
The Awam Express, traveling from Peshawar to Karachi, derailed near Lodhran, resulting in one fatality and at least 24 injuries.
How many people were injured in the incident?
At least 24 passengers were injured, including men, women, and children.
What is being done to investigate the derailment?
An investigation has been ordered by the Federal Minister for Railways to determine the cause of the derailment.
Where were the injured passengers taken for treatment?
The injured were initially taken to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for treatment.
Have there been similar incidents recently?
Yes, there have been previous derailments of the Jaffar Express due to blasts on the railway tracks in Sindh.
