Two bogies of the Karachi Express derailed shortly after departure, disrupting rail traffic but resulting in no injuries

On the evening of October 13, 2024, a serious incident unfolded as two bogies of the Karachi Express derailed shortly after leaving Hyderabad railway station. This train, having arrived from Karachi’s Cantonment railway station, was making its way to Lahore when it encountered trouble just moments into its journey.

As the Karachi Express began to switch tracks, passengers experienced a sudden and jarring jerk. In response to the abrupt movement, many onboard panicked and disembarked as the train ground to a halt after skidding off the tracks. Fortunately, despite the alarming circumstances, there were no major injuries or casualties reported among the passengers.

Railway authorities acted quickly, dispatching technical staff from Pakistan Railways to the scene to investigate the cause of the derailment and to conduct repairs. The derailment, while serious enough to halt operations, did not result in significant damage to the train itself or the surrounding infrastructure. However, it did lead to substantial disruption, with rail traffic on both the ‘up’ and ‘down’ tracks suspended for several hours as crews worked diligently to restore service.

The superintendent of the station, Siddique Kunharo, confirmed that only one line was affected due to the incident. He reassured passengers that Line No. 1 remained operational, allowing Hyderabad-bound trains to continue their journeys without delay. After three hours of dedicated efforts by the repair teams, the Karachi Express was finally cleared to resume its journey towards Lahore, much to the relief of those who had been anxiously waiting.

In a tragic turn of events on the same day, the Bolan Mail train struck and killed a 40-year-old man named Abbas Shah. A resident of Bobak village, Shah attempted to cross the tracks near Bagh Yousuf village when the train, en route from Larkana to Karachi, approached at high speed. The unfortunate timing left him with no chance to escape, resulting in a fatal accident.

Rescue 1122 personnel were quick to arrive on the scene, retrieving the victim’s body and transporting it to the Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences in Sehwan for further examination. Following the incident, the Bolan Mail train continued its journey shortly after the body was removed, minimising disruption to its schedule.

These recent incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s railways, an essential mode of transportation for countless passengers every day. With railway safety becoming an increasingly pressing concern, authorities are reminded of the importance of implementing rigorous safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

As investigations into the derailment and the accident involving the Bolan Mail continue, railway officials emphasise their commitment to improving safety protocols. The swift response from railway staff and emergency services during both incidents illustrates their dedication to passenger safety amidst unforeseen challenges on the railway network.

Ultimately, while the Karachi Express derailment did not result in any injuries, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety within the railway system. As authorities work to address the underlying causes of these events, the focus remains on ensuring that all passengers can travel safely and efficiently across Pakistan’s railways.