ISLAMABAD EXPRESS DERAILS NEAR LAHORE

Incident Overview

On August 1, 2025, the Islamabad Express passenger train, en route from Lahore to Rawalpindi, derailed near Kala Shah Kaku in the Sheikhupura district, roughly 50 km from Lahore. Several coaches left the tracks and at least 30 passengers were injured.

Extent of Damage

Reports vary between three to ten coaches derailing. According to AP News, three cars were involved, while other outlets such as Mathrubhumi described a derailment spanning up to ten coaches

Injuries and Medical Response

At least 30 passengers sustained injuries, including women and children, with three individuals in critical condition. Paramedics transported all injured to nearby hospitals, where they were treated and stabilized.

Rescue Operations

Emergency services, including rescue teams and ambulances, swiftly arrived at the crash site. Some passengers were initially trapped and had to be extricated from overturned coaches before being conveyed to medical facilitie.

Timing and Circumstances

The derailment occurred approximately 30 minutes after the train’s departure from Lahore Railway Station. This sudden incident left passengers disoriented and prompted immediate on-site response.

Railway Officials’ Actions

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi promptly dispatched the Pakistan Railways CEO and the divisional superintendent to oversee the relief operations. He also ordered a formal investigation, requiring a full inquiry report within seven days.

Historical Context: Recent Accidents

This derailment marks at least the third major rail incident in 15 days in Pakistan. Previously, the Jaffar Express derailed twice recently due to explosions in Sindh province, underlining a disturbing cluster of accidents.

Long‑Term Safety Challenges

Pakistan’s railway network has long been plagued by underinvestment, aging rolling stock, outdated alerts, and poor track infrastructure. These systemic weaknesses have featured prominently in analyzing recurring accidents.

Comparative Severity

While no fatalities have been reported so far in the 2025 derailment, it echoes the 2023 Hazara Express derailment near Nawabshah, where at least 30 people died and over 100 were injured when ten coaches derailed, offering a grim precedent.

Preliminary Investigations

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether mechanical failure, track defects, or human error contributed to the derailment. The examiners are expected to review signaling systems, wheel condition, and management procedures.

Expert Warnings and Maintenance Concerns

Experts and rail officials have previously warned that brake failures, corroded tracks, and aging coaches pose serious risks. In earlier derailments, damaged trolleys or missing fastenings were cited as.

Impact on Rail Traffic

Earlier derailments-such as the two‑bogie derailment of the Pakistan Express in Bahawalpur in June 2025-have caused major suspensions and delays across the ML‑1 mainline, disrupting numerous train services for hours.

Public Sentiment and Response

Passenger accounts often highlight chaotic post‑accident scenes, with calls for improved oversight. In prior derailments, eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, local volunteers helping survivors, and overwhelmed medical facilities.