- Stranded passengers moved to school, Circuit House for temporary stay.
- Relief trains dispatched from Multan, Samasata, rescue teams on ground.
- Down track traffic halted at Lodhran; restoration work currently underway.
A late-night derailment of the Tezgam Express near Adam Wahan, close to Lodhran, left passengers injured and rail traffic badly hit, with multiple bogies overturned and the track blocked for hours, Pakistan Railways officials said on Wednesday.
At least four coaches of the Karachi-bound train jumped the tracks, some flipping over, sparking panic inside the compartments as passengers scrambled to save themselves and their loved ones.
Officials now say 25 passengers were injured in the accident.
Of them, 17 were given first aid and discharged, while eight in critical condition were shifted to DHQ hospital, according to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Ashraf.
Passengers were left stranded as darkness set in and rescue work began. DC Ashraf said people were moved to a nearby school for the night, with more space arranged at the Circuit House.
“Food and basic facilities were also provided,” the top city executive added.
Railway officials said a reduced train, with five coaches, was later sent onward to Karachi, while work continued to clear the damaged track.
Pakistan Railways said the relief operation was ongoing, with rescue teams, medical staff and machinery on site.
Rescue 1122 teams assisted in evacuations, while a relief train and trucks joined the effort.
Officials said there was no loss of life, but train services on the down track remained suspended, with Karachi-bound trains stopped at Lodhran station.
An inquiry has been ordered by the Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi to find out what caused the derailment, as authorities work to restore the track and resume operations.
