At least four passengers were killed and several others injured after the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan early Tuesday, prompting urgent rescue operations and a response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The injured were shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for treatment, while rescue teams continued operations at the accident site.

The accident occurred at around 5:15 am. The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar.

Rescue officials stated that 13 coaches had been cleared, while rescue work continued in the remaining carriages. Further details regarding the condition of the injured and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are awaited.

A passenger alleged that workers had repaired the nuts and bolts of coach number nine near Rohri before the accident. This claim has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the reported repair was linked to the derailment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and expressed concern over the casualties. He directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment without delay.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been officially established. Pakistan Railways is expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.

This incident adds to a series of serious railway accidents in Pakistan; in August 2023, the derailment of the Hazara Express near Nawabshah killed at least 30 people, raising renewed concerns about railway safety and maintenance. Local administration and railway officials have cordoned off the area to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery required to clear the track.

The disruption has caused significant delays for other trains operating on the main line. Railway safety experts have long called for an overhaul of the aging infrastructure and better monitoring of track conditions.

The government has promised a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine if negligence played a role. As the rescue operation enters its final phase, the focus shifts to identifying the deceased and notifying their families.

The hospital administration has declared an emergency to manage the influx of patients. The nation remains in shock as the death toll is feared to rise, with many passengers still being treated for critical injuries.

Further updates will be provided as official reports from the inquiry committee are released.