A recent investigation into the derailment of the Islamabad Express near Kala Shah Kaku has revealed that the accident was caused by a breakage in the railway track. The breakage, discovered under the moving wheels of the train, led to the derailment.
The incident took place at around 7:30 pm on Friday near the 1239th kilometre point of the Lahore-Islamabad railway line. The Islamabad Express was traveling from Lahore to Islamabad when it derailed near Nullah Dek, located between Sheikhupura and Muridke.
Initial reports from railway officials suggest that the track broke under the weight of the engine and its nine coaches. “The breakage is quite fresh,” said the inquiry, indicating it happened just as the train’s wheels passed over the section. As a result of the breakage, five coaches overturned and four others derailed.
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident. Initial reports indicated that six bogies had derailed, causing injuries to more than 50 passengers, including women and children.
Three bogies overturned, sparking panic among passengers, many of whom tried to assist each other before emergency responders arrived.
Rescue 1122 dispatched six vehicles to the scene, and a large-scale operation was undertaken to evacuate and treat the injured. The injured were initially taken to Muridke THQ and Shahdara Teaching Hospital.
Two passengers in critical condition were transferred to Lahore’s General Hospital for further care.
Search efforts continued for several hours due to concerns that passengers might be trapped inside the overturned bogies. Meanwhile, railway staff, with the help of heavy machinery, are working to restore the railway line.
Cranes are being used to straighten the derailed coaches, and a temporary track is being laid to move them. However, several bogies are still blocking the track.
Authorities have stated that full restoration of the railway line is expected to take 10 to 12 hours. The investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing, with the focus on ensuring the safety of passengers traveling on the Islamabad Express in the future.
In other news read more about Over 50 Injured as Isb-Lhr Train Derails Near Kala Shah Kaku
