Awam Express derails near Lodhran, 1 dead, 21 injured

Lodhran: The Awam Express, traveling from Lahore to Karachi after arriving from Peshawar, met with a major accident near Lodhran Railway Station, as six of its coaches derailed and overturned.

According to rescue officials, one passenger lost his life and 21 others were injured in the accident.

Initial reports suggest that the train failed to stop at Lodhran Junction and collided with the engine of a freight train already parked on the track.

Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as horrific, with the air filled with the screams and panic of passengers. Rescue teams acted swiftly to extract those trapped in the coaches.

Rescue 1122, police, and the district administration completed the relief and rescue operation, and the injured were immediately shifted to Lodhran District Hospital, where several are reported to be in critical condition.

The deceased passenger has been identified as Waqas, a resident of Khushab.

Due to the accident, the downtrack was closed. Railway staff have been instructed to complete rescue work quickly and restore the track. The remaining passengers of the affected train were sent toward their destination via an alternative train.

The Minister for Railways has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident, with a report to be submitted within seven days.