At least five people died and 30 others sustained injuries on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after a passenger train derailed in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province. The incident involving the Rehman Baba Express occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. near the Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, according to local police and emergency officials.
The passenger train was traveling from the southern port city of Karachi to the northwestern city of Peshawar when all 14 of its coaches left the tracks. Emergency responders rushed to the site to extract passengers from the overturned carriages and transport the injured to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for medical treatment.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Local authorities and rescue officials confirmed the initial casualty figures and noted that search and clearance operations continued at the accident site. According to rescue updates, teams cleared 13 of the derailed coaches, while specialized work remained ongoing in one final carriage to ensure no additional passengers were trapped inside.
Pakistan Railways’ official casualty tracking listed over 40 injured individuals, with some treated and discharged, while dozens remained hospitalized. Government officials mobilized emergency resources to assist affected families, establishing round-the-clock help desks at major stations to manage alternative travel arrangements and ticket refunds.
Investigation and Official Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the fatal accident. He directed local authorities and railway management to accelerate rescue efforts and guarantee immediate, comprehensive medical care for all injured passengers. Pakistan’s Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, announced that the Federal Government Inspector of Railways (FGIR) will lead an official probe into the incident.
Preliminary railway reports pointed toward potential issues involving excessive speed, and passengers reported maintenance work on specific coaches prior to the crash. However, authorities emphasized that the exact cause of the derailment remains under formal investigation.
History of Rail Incidents in Pakistan
This tragic derailment highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and infrastructure of Pakistan’s rail network. Much of the country’s railway system dates back to British colonial rule in the 19th century and has seen limited modernization over the decades.
Major incidents have previously drawn national attention, including a devastating crash in August 2023 when the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah in Sindh province. That accident resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and injured more than 100 others. Transport authorities continue to face mounting pressure to upgrade infrastructure and implement stricter safety protocols across national rail lines.
