A train derailment near Faisalabad early Wednesday left at least 25 people injured, including the train driver and his assistant. The accident occurred around 4 a.m. when the Shalimar Express collided with a brick-laden tractor-trolley stuck at an unmanned railway crossing near Chak No. 142-RB Chuti Ghartal.
Tractor-Trolley Stalled on Tracks
According to police, the tractor-trolley had run out of fuel and was stranded on the railway track. As the Shalimar Express was heading from Faisalabad to Lahore, it struck the stationary vehicle, causing two coaches to derail. The impact was strong enough to push the derailed coaches nearly a kilometer from the collision site.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Local police and Rescue 1122 teams responded promptly. They provided first aid on-site and shifted critically injured passengers to THQ Hospital Chak Jhumra. Several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
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Train Services Suspended
Following the accident, rail traffic between Sahianwala and Salarwala came to a complete halt. All train operations from Faisalabad to Lahore and Wazirabad were suspended indefinitely. The damaged tracks are under assessment, and repair work is underway to resume operations as soon as possible.
Driver Flees, Authorities Investigate
The tractor-trolley driver fled the scene after the collision. However, police recovered both the tractor and the trolley.
Officials Take Notice
City Police Officer (CPO) Sahibzada Bilal Umar took serious notice of the incident. He instructed senior police officers to coordinate closely with Pakistan Railways and assist in the investigation. Rail and police authorities are working together to assess the damage and clear the tracks.
Efforts are ongoing to restore normal rail services and ensure safety at all unmanned railway crossings in the region.
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