At least four individuals have lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries following the derailment of a passenger train in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when all 14 coaches of the Rehman Baba Express derailed near the Sher Shah Bridge in Multan at approximately 5:15 am local time. The train was en route from Karachi to Peshawar at the time of the accident, as reported by local media.

Details from the Scene

In an interview with Dawn, train driver Rizwan Abbas recounted the moments leading up to the derailment. He stated that the train was travelling at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour when he experienced a sudden jolt. Abbas mentioned that the signal was clear as he approached the Sher Shah station area, and he promptly applied the brakes to halt the train. Upon exiting the locomotive, he discovered that the passenger coaches had derailed and were scattered off the tracks.

A rescue operation was initiated immediately after the incident. Railway spokesperson Kaleem Akhtar confirmed that emergency responders had recovered all four deceased individuals and evacuated the injured passengers from the train’s coaches. The injured were subsequently transported to Nishtar Hospital for medical treatment. Emergency personnel and paramedics were dispatched to the site, while rescue teams continued their operations to assist those affected.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and instructed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care. Sharif also called for an acceleration of the rescue operations, as reported by Geo News.

Investigation and Response

According to rescue officials, 13 of the derailed coaches have been cleared, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining coach. A passenger reported that maintenance work had been carried out on coach number nine near Rohri prior to the derailment. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and the connection between the repairs and the incident remains uncertain.

In light of the accident, Pakistan Railways has established information and assistance desks at major railway stations, which will operate around the clock. Divisional Commercial Officers (DCOs) have been tasked with arranging alternative transportation and providing ticket refunds where necessary. A statement from the railways indicated that a replacement train carrying over 500 passengers from the Rehman Baba Express departed from Sher Shah Railway Station shortly after the incident.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced that the federal government inspector of railways (FGIR) has been appointed as the inquiry officer to investigate the incident. Abbasi noted that while the divisional superintendent in Multan reported four fatalities, he could not confirm the claim of five deaths. Further updates from Pakistan Railways and relevant authorities are anticipated as rescue operations continue.

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