Deadly Train Derailment in Pakistan's Punjab

Multan, Pakistan | October 13, 2026: A passenger train derailment in Pakistan's Punjab province has left several people dead and dozens injured, triggering an emergency rescue operation and raising fresh concerns about railway safety.

The accident involved the Rehman Baba Express, which was travelling from Karachi, Pakistan's southern port city, to Peshawar in the northwest. The train derailed near Sher Shah railway station in the Multan district during the early hours of Tuesday.

Initial reports indicated that at least five people had died and more than 30 passengers had been injured. Some media reports subsequently cited a death toll of six. Casualty figures have varied across reports as information emerged from the accident site.

All 14 Coaches Reportedly Derailed

According to reports citing railway and rescue officials, all 14 coaches of the train came off the tracks. Emergency responders, police personnel and medical teams were dispatched to the location to evacuate passengers and assist those trapped or injured.

The injured were transported to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for medical treatment. Rescue personnel worked at the scene to recover victims and clear the damaged railway coaches.

The scale of the derailment prompted an extensive emergency response, while authorities focused on assisting passengers and securing the accident site.

Investigation Launched to Determine Cause

Officials have initiated an investigation to establish what caused the train to derail. The precise cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed.

According to reporting by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the train driver said the signal was clear and that he felt a sudden push while passing through the Sher Shah station area. He said he applied the brakes and brought the locomotive to a stop before discovering that the passenger coaches had derailed.

The driver's account forms part of the emerging information about the incident, but investigators will need to examine the tracks, signalling systems, train equipment and other relevant evidence before determining the cause.

Pakistan's Leadership Expresses Grief

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of life and called for prompt assistance to those affected.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to accelerate rescue efforts and ensure that injured passengers received appropriate medical care.

Officials are also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the derailment as part of the investigation.

Railway Safety Under Renewed Scrutiny

The accident has brought railway safety back into focus in Pakistan, where the railway system has faced longstanding challenges involving ageing infrastructure, maintenance requirements and outdated signalling equipment.

A major train derailment near Nawabshah in Sindh province in August 2023 killed at least 30 people and injured more than 90, highlighting the serious consequences of railway accidents.

However, investigators have not yet established whether infrastructure or signalling problems contributed to the latest incident near Multan. Any conclusions about the cause will depend on the official investigation.

What Happens Next?

Authorities are expected to continue assessing the damaged coaches, examining railway infrastructure and collecting evidence to determine how the accident occurred.

The immediate priorities remain medical care for injured passengers, support for affected families and the safe clearance of the accident site.

The derailment is a reminder of the importance of effective railway maintenance, reliable signalling systems and rigorous safety inspections. Further official updates are expected to clarify the final casualty figures and the cause of the crash.