The up track on which the movement of trains had to be stopped following the derailment of seven bogies of the Tezgam Express in Lodhran on Tuesday night was finally repaired on Wednesday afternoon after 13 hours as Hazara Express, from Karachi to Havelian, and Shalimar Express, from Karachi to Lahore, used the track, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to Pakistan Railways officials, the down track would also be opened in the next two to three hours.
As many as 25 passengers were injured when seven bogies of the Tezgam Express, heading from Rawalpindi to Karachi, were separated from the engine and overturned in Lodhran on Tuesday night.
Work on the repair of the track continued throughout the night. However, it could not be completed till last reports came in.
Consequently, the movement of trains came to a halt.
Railways officials said that the work was in progress and would continue for the next 10 to 12 hours.
On the other hand, Division Transportation Officer (DTO) Muhammad Rizwan said that approximately 250 to 265 passengers were sitting in the train at the time of the accident.
He said that two passengers, who were seriously injured, were shifted to a hospital; however, they were later discharged.
He said that the cause of the accident could not be known. “However, a team has been formed to ascertain the reasons which led to the derailment of bogies,” the DTO said, and added that the probe was underway and soon the findings would be made public.
On Tuesday, 24News TV channel had reported that at least eight people were injured in a train accident in Lodhran and were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for treatment.
According to the hospital administration, all injured were transported to the facility by Rescue 1122, where they received immediate medical attention.
Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Ali Hassan Rana provided details about the victims, stating that several individuals sustained minor injuries.
Among them were Khalid, son of Ahmed; Abdul Majeed, son of Ishaq; and Abid, a train guard.
He further said that some of the injured, including Jamil, son of Muhammad Saif; Azizur Rehman; and Sardad Dilhadi, were discharged after receiving first aid and necessary treatment.
Meanwhile, other victims, including Ibad Ali, son of Nawab Ali, and Farzana Bibi, are still under treatment at the hospital due to their injuries. Doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
Hospital officials confirmed that all necessary medical procedures, including bandaging, X-rays, and CT scans, were carried out promptly to assess and treat the injuries.
“Full medical assistance is being provided to those undergoing treatment,” Dr. Rana said, adding that the hospital is ensuring the best possible care for all patients.
Reporters: Mushtaq Bhutta, Ahmar Khan Babar