Rehman Baba Express Derails Near Multan, At Least Five Killed and Over 30 Injured

All 14 coaches reportedly derail near Sher Shah; rescue operations launched as authorities order an investigation into the accident.

MULTAN, Pakistan, October 13, 2026 (Nazrana Times): At least five passengers were reportedly killed and more than 30 others injured after the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah in Multan early Tuesday morning, disrupting railway operations and prompting an emergency response.

According to initial reports, the Karachi-to-Peshawar passenger train was carrying hundreds of travellers when the accident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. All 14 coaches reportedly came off the tracks.

Rescue Operations and Hospital Emergency

Emergency teams from Rescue 1122, supported by police and Pakistan Railways personnel, immediately launched rescue operations at the accident site.

Rescue officials reportedly evacuated 53 passengers, while injured travellers were transported to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for medical treatment.

Hospital authorities declared an emergency to accommodate the casualties. According to preliminary information, four injured passengers were in critical condition.

Reports also indicated that a one-and-a-half-year-old girl was missing following the accident, prompting rescue personnel to continue searching the affected coaches.

President and Prime Minister Seek Investigation

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the reported loss of lives and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi reportedly visited the accident site to review rescue and restoration efforts.

The minister announced that compensation would be provided to eligible victims and their families under the applicable railway insurance policy.

He also directed the Federal Government Inspector of Railways to investigate the accident and determine its underlying cause.

Technical Fault and Speed Concerns Under Examination

Preliminary accounts have raised questions about a possible mechanical problem involving the train’s ninth coach.

According to reports, the coach had developed a technical issue earlier in the journey, which was reportedly addressed near Rohri before the train continued towards its destination.

Some passengers also alleged that the train was travelling at excessive speed near Bahawalpur and that their concerns about its speed had not been addressed.

Meanwhile, the train’s guard reportedly stated that the driver experienced a sudden jolt immediately before the derailment.

However, authorities have not established whether the accident resulted from a mechanical malfunction, a railway track defect, excessive speed or another factor.

These accounts remain preliminary and require confirmation through the official investigation.

Railway Services Disrupted, Alternative Routes Arranged

The derailment reportedly forced the temporary suspension of railway operations on both the up and down tracks.

Pakistan Railways diverted affected train services through Lodhran and Khanewal to minimise disruption to passengers.

A relief train was dispatched from Multan to assist with recovery and track clearance operations.

According to initial reports, the down track was restored approximately five hours after the accident, allowing railway services to resume gradually.

Railway authorities also established passenger assistance desks at major stations, while the district administration arranged buses for travellers wishing to continue their journeys by road.

Investigation Expected to Establish Cause

The incident has renewed concerns over railway safety, maintenance procedures and operational monitoring.

Authorities are expected to examine the train’s mechanical condition, maintenance history, track infrastructure and operational records as part of the investigation.

The final cause of the derailment will remain uncertain until investigators complete their assessment and release their findings.

Editor’s note: This report has been rewritten from the supplied information. The casualty figures, derailment details and official statements have not been independently verified and should be confirmed with Pakistan Railways, Rescue 1122 or other official sources before publication.