The Shalimar Express, traveling from Lahore to Karachi, derailed near Shahdara in Punjab’s Lahore district on Thursday, with three of its coaches going off track. The incident, which occurred near Barkat Town, narrowly avoided a major disaster as the train became stuck in the middle of a bridge, preventing it from toppling into a populated area.
Disruptions and Immediate Response
Following the derailment, train services between Lahore and Faisalabad have been suspended, causing disruptions for both passengers and freight. Rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene, and railway staff, along with police, arrived to assess the situation and manage recovery efforts.
Investigation and Cause
The CEO of Pakistan Railways, Ameer Ali Baloch, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Railway officials revealed that the derailment was caused by the breaking of an old wooden track that had been in use for nearly 200 years. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Criticism of Track Maintenance
The incident has raised concerns about the maintenance of aging railway infrastructure, which has been criticized for its role in the derailment. Efforts are ongoing to restore train services between the affected cities as quickly as possible.