The Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah railway station in Multan early on Tuesday, killing four passengers and injuring 49, according to Rescue 1122.
Rehman Baba Express rescue operation under way
The Karachi-to-Peshawar train, carrying nearly 1,000 passengers, saw 14 coaches leave the track. Rescue 1122 received the emergency call at 5:21am and sent 11 ambulances, three fire vehicles, two rescue vehicles and 70 rescuers to the site. A relief train and a medical van were also dispatched from Multan.
The dead include three women and one man. Rescue 1122 said 22 of the injured had minor injuries, while 27 were shifted for medical treatment. A Pakistan Railways information officer had earlier put the number of injured at 30. Traffic on the up track was suspended as the operation continued.
Government response
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern, offered condolences to the families of the victims and called for a transparent investigation into the cause of the accident. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and directed authorities to speed up rescue and relief work and ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined.
