Lodhran: A Peshawar–Karachi bound Awam Express derailed near Lodhran at around 2am on Sunday, leaving one passenger dead and more than 20 others injured, officials said.
According to rescue sources, one person died on the spot, while six of the injured are in critical condition. An emergency was declared at the District Headquarters Hospital in Lodhran to accommodate the victims.
Eighteen injured passengers were shifted to the DHQ Hospital Lodhran, while two others with serious injuries were taken to Bahawal Victoria Hospital. More than 20 others received first aid at the site.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Lubna Nazir said that four bogies of the train derailed. The cause of the incident has yet to be determined, and an inquiry has been launched. Passengers trapped inside the bogies were rescued and shifted to hospitals.
A relief train was dispatched to continue the journey of stranded passengers. Authorities confirmed that the rescue operation at the site has been completed.
Series of derailments
This marks the third derailment in August. Last Sunday, three bogies of the Awam Express derailed in Rahim Yar Khan, suspending traffic on the down track. Earlier this month, five coaches of the Islamabad Express derailed near Kala Shah Kaku, injuring 30 passengers.
