Broken hanger blamed for major Rehman Baba Express derailment

Pakistan Railways has released an initial investigation report into the derailment of the Rehman Baba Express near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, identifying a mechanical fault as the likely cause of the accident.

According to the preliminary report, the accident occurred after a side hanger attached to the train’s luggage coach broke. The broken component became lodged in a turnout crossing, contributing to the derailment.

Investigators said the broken hanger was recovered from the accident site. The findings point to a mechanical failure, although further investigation may be required to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The accident occurred on Tuesday morning near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan as the Rehman Baba Express was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar. All 15 coaches of the train derailed, causing casualties and injuries among passengers.

Initial reports said the accident took place at around 5:15am. A passenger also claimed that nuts and bolts on coach number nine had been repaired near Rohri before the train reached the accident site. This account has not been established as a confirmed cause in the preliminary findings.

Rescue teams took part in relief operations following the derailment, shifting injured passengers to hospitals for medical treatment. Earlier reports gave differing casualty figures, with one update reporting six deaths and 30 injuries, while another account cited seven fatalities, including a child, and around 40 injured passengers.

The preliminary report has identified the broken side hanger as a key factor in the accident. Further findings would be needed to determine whether maintenance issues or other technical factors also contributed to the derailment.