BAHWALPUR: The Sargodha-to-Karachi Millat Express derailed at the Sammasatta railway junction late on Saturday, causing a delay of over an hour.

According to railways and police officials, the train was stopped at Sammasatta railway junction for the repair of a mechanical fault in one of the train’s passenger coaches. After the repair, which delayed the train for about half an hour, as the train steamed off at a slow speed, its engine derailed.

Officials claimed that the derailment could have been caused by a change of signal points. A relief train was called in, but before it reached the site, railway officials and loco shed staff managed to put the engine back on the track and the train resumed its journey to Karachi after a delay of over an hour.

During the engine repair, Sammasatta railway police officials patrolled around the train to ensure the safety and security of the passengers.

The Multan divisional superintendent, along with his staff, arrived at Sammasatta and announced an inquiry into the locomotive’s derailment.

Also, two passengers travelling from Sahiwal had a miraculous escape, though they suffered injuries, when they fell off the train at the end of the Sammasatta railway junction platform while travelling by Sialkoto-to-Karachi Allama Iqbal Express.

According to railways and police officials, one of them was vomiting while sitting in the door of the train, supported by his companion. As the train, which had no stoppage at Sammasatta railway station, gained speed with a jerk, both fell out at the end of the platform and suffered injuries. Railway and police officials along with Rescue 1122 provided first aid and later sent them on another fast train to their destination in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2024