30 Injured as Train Derails Near Sheikhupura

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At least 30 passengers were injured after the Islamabad Express derailed near Kala Shah Kaku in Sheikhupura, roughly 50 kilometres from Lahore, on Friday evening.

The train, traveling from Lahore to Rawalpindi, experienced a major accident when 10 of its coaches went off the tracks approximately 30 minutes after departing from Lahore Railway Station. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, where rescue workers began evacuating passengers and providing medical assistance.

Officials reported that all injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Of the 30 injured, three passengers were said to be in critical condition. Fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed so far.

Local authorities sealed off the accident site to facilitate rescue operations and prevent public access to the area. Emergency responders, including police, rescue teams, and medical personnel, continued working into the night to free those trapped in the overturned coaches.

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi responded swiftly, instructing senior Pakistan Railways officials to visit the location and oversee the situation on the ground. He has ordered a formal inquiry into the derailment, with a full report expected within seven days.

Although the precise cause of the incident has yet to be confirmed, officials indicated that the investigation will examine possible mechanical faults, track conditions, and human error. Until the inquiry is completed and repairs are made, rail traffic on the affected line has been temporarily suspended.

The Islamabad Express is a widely used service connecting Lahore and Rawalpindi. The derailment has once again raised concerns about the condition of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and the frequency of rail-related accidents. Past incidents have pointed to outdated equipment, poor maintenance, and limited investment in rail safety as contributing factors.

Authorities are urging commuters to monitor official travel updates and avoid the vicinity of the derailment site to allow uninterrupted rescue and repair work. Rail operations on alternative routes are being adjusted to manage disruptions caused by the suspension of service on the affected stretch.

As of Saturday morning, rescue operations were still underway, and all passengers were being accounted for. More details are expected to emerge once the investigation concludes.