25 injured as Tezgam derails near Lodhran

At least 25 passengers were injured, including one in critical condition, after the Tezgam, travelling from Rawalpindi to Karachi, derailed near Lodhran on Tuesday. According to Lodhran Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf, the accident occurred at around 9pm near Adam Wahan railway station, located between Lodhran and Bahawalpur, when four coaches overturned and three derailed, disrupting both up and down railway tracks. He said a total of 25 passengers sustained injuries in the incident. Of these, 17 were provided first aid at the site and discharged, while eight injured passengers were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. One critically injured passenger was later referred to the Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital for further treatment. Additional Deputy Commissioner Liaquat Gilani was present at the DHQ Hospital to oversee medical arrangements and ensure the provision of necessary treatment to the injured. Officials identified several of the injured as Khalid, Abdul Majeed, Ibad Ali, Abid, Jameel, Azizur Rehman, Sardar Hadi and Farzana. Deputy Commissioner Ashraf said the rescue operation had been completed. Authorities arranged temporary accommodation for passengers at a nearby girls' school and the Circuit House, along with food provisions. Alternative transport was also arranged for passengers wishing to continue their journey home. Station Master Adam Wahan, Ahad Hussain, said the train split into two sections after a coupling rod broke. The four overturned coaches included one business class coach, a dining car and two economy class coaches. Railway officials said the Tezgam was later dispatched towards Karachi with five remaining coaches. Track restoration work is expected to begin following the arrival of a relief train, as authorities continue efforts to resume normal train operations. Eyewitnesses said seven coaches attached to the engine moved ahead, while the rear coaches derailed, with several overturning. Over a week ago, one person was killed and 12 others injured when the Lahore-bound Shalimar Express collided with a freight train standing on a loop line near Lakha Road Station in Sindh's Nowshehro Feroz.