Karachi, Pakistan (TEH) – A devastating train accident that claimed 43 lives on Sunday in Sindh province, Pakistan, has been traced back to the absence of a fish plate and damage to one of the tracks, according to a preliminary investigation report. The derailment of the Hazara Express, traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi, has raised questions about the safety of Pakistan’s railway system and has not ruled out the possibility of sabotage.
The Accident
The Hazara Express derailed near Sarhari railway station in Nawabshah district, 275 km from Karachi. The preliminary investigation report revealed that the derailment occurred due to non-availability of a fish plate, a device that connects the two ends of the rail tracks, and damage to the rail track itself.
A six-member investigation team of Pakistan Railways concluded in a report released on Monday, “After checking from all the aspects, we came to [the] conclusion that [the] accident took place due to fresh rail broke and fishplates missing.” Six railway workers were suspended linked to the accident, according to ANI.
Possibility of Sabotage
The investigation team also cited the train’s engine slipping as a reason behind the derailment. Some railway officials are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage in the accident. The report noted “slight marks of hitting something” were found on an iron fish plate and a wooden terminal a little away from the crash site. It added that “therefore, the engineering branch and the mechanical branch are responsible for this accident.”
Ongoing Investigation
While this is a “very preliminary investigation report,” the final report is expected to take some time to complete. A detailed investigation is underway, and railway inspectors from the federal government are present at the accident site to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The incident has brought attention to the state of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and the need for stringent safety measures. The possibility of sabotage adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, and authorities are expected to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and integrity of the railway system.
The tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols in the railway system. As the nation mourns the loss of 43 lives, the ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on the exact cause of the accident and lead to necessary reforms to prevent future tragedies.
