The Islamabad Express, which was going from Lahore to Rawalpindi met with an accident near Kala Shah Kaku last night. The seven bogies of the train derailed, and more than 30 passengers were injured in the incident.

Initial reports blamed the driver, who allegedly ignored the prescribed train speed. Sources said misalignment issues were reported before the departure of the train, but these problems were not properly looked into.

According to railway officials, a total of nine bogies were affected in the accident, while the train’s engine remained unaffected.

According to the DS Railways, 800 metres of track has been affected at the accident site, and work is underway to lay a temporary track with the help of heavy machinery so that train traffic can be restored soon.

The sources said that it may take another five hours for the complete restoration of the track.

Railway officials have formed a high-level committee to investigate the accident. Initially, it is suspected that the accident was also caused by a crack in the track.

The Federal Minister for Railways took strict notice of the accident and directed the CEO of Railways and DS Railways to immediately reach the spot.

He also ordered the railway staff to expedite rescue operations and immediately dispatch medical teams, and submit a complete inquiry report of the accident within seven days.

Expressing grief over the train accident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the concerned authorities to provide full cooperation.

Due to the accident, train traffic on the railway track has been suspended, and passengers are facing severe difficulties. Officials say that the railway service will be restored soon.