Rehman Baba Express Derails Near Multan: 4 Dead, 41 Hurt as 14 Coaches Leave Track

The Rehman Baba Express derailment near Multan on Tuesday morning has shocked passengers across the country.

Four people were killed and 41 injured when the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Multan at 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Karachi to Peshawar service was passing near Sher Shah Bridge when fourteen of its coaches left the track. Rescue teams, police and railway staff reached the site as daylight broke over the district.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed four deaths at the scene. Early police reports had suggested five fatalities, and officials said the final toll was still being reconciled.

What happened near Sher Shah Bridge

Fourteen coaches leave the track at dawn

The derailment struck at around 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The train was running from Karachi to Peshawar with fourteen coaches on the Multan section.

Witnesses described a loud jolt as several coaches toppled off the rails. Dust rose over the Sher Shah Bridge area as passengers scrambled out of the tilted bogies.

The stretch near Sher Shah Railway Station is a busy corridor. Freight and passenger trains cross it through the day, which made the morning rescue operation urgent.

Rescue 1122 teams cut through mangled metal to reach trapped passengers. Cranes were called in to lift the heaviest coaches off the embankment.

The driver's account of the final seconds

Driver Rizwan Abbas said the train was moving at about 100 kilometres per hour. He said the signal was clear and the run had been normal until that moment.

He felt a sudden push from below the locomotive, he told investigators. He applied the brakes at once, but several coaches behind him had already left the track.

His statement will be central to the official inquiry. Railway officials say his account matches the early readings taken at the site.

Engineers will also examine the locomotive's speed recorder. That data will confirm whether the train was within the allowed limit.

The human toll

Confirmed deaths and a shifting toll

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed four deaths in his first statement. Police sources had earlier reported five dead, and Dawn reported the higher early figure.

Such differences are common in the first hours after a rail accident. Bodies are identified at hospitals while lists are cross-checked between police and railway teams.

Officials said they would update the toll once every victim was identified. Families were asked to contact the railway helpline for confirmed information.

Children among the injured

The Pakistan Railways casualty list puts the injured at 41, including at least 13 minors. Police had earlier estimated around 30 injured in the first count.

Thirty-eight of the injured were referred to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Three were discharged after first aid at the scene.

Doctors at Nishtar Hospital said most injuries were fractures and bruises. A few patients with head injuries were kept under observation.

The official response

Leaders express grief, order best care

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of life. He ordered the best possible medical care for the injured.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed sorrow over the tragedy. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those hurt in the crash.

The prime minister directed railway authorities to speed up rescue and relief work. He said no effort should be spared in treating the wounded.

Inquiry ordered, compensation promised

The Federal Government Inspector of Railways has been appointed as inquiry officer. He will fix responsibility after examining the track, the coaches and the crew.

Compensation for the victims will be paid under the Railways insurance policy. Officials said the process would begin after the casualty list is finalised.

Railway engineers were also sent to inspect the damaged section. Train traffic on the route was expected to resume after safety clearance.

The inquiry report is expected to identify the exact cause. Railway officials promised to make its findings public.

A system under strain

The Hazara Express precedent

Pakistan has seen deadly derailments before. In August 2023 the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah, killing more than 30 people.

Over 100 passengers were injured in that crash. Investigators later pointed to track defects and maintenance gaps.

The Multan derailment has revived those memories for regular rail travellers. Many took to social media to demand safer tracks.

Opposition leaders also questioned the state of railway infrastructure. They called for a full audit of the national track network.

Track safety questions grow

Railway experts say ageing infrastructure remains the core risk. Thousands of kilometres of track need urgent repair across the country.

Passengers want to know how fourteen coaches derailed on a clear signal. The inquiry report will be watched closely by the public.

Until then, the focus stays on the injured at Nishtar Hospital. Families continue to gather outside the emergency ward for news.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Rehman Baba Express derailment?

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed four deaths. Early police reports had put the toll at five, and officials said the figure was still being reconciled.

How many passengers were injured?

The Pakistan Railways casualty list records 41 injured, including at least 13 minors. Police had earlier estimated around 30 injured in the first count.

Where exactly did the derailment happen?

It happened near Sher Shah Bridge and Sher Shah Railway Station in Multan district, Punjab. The time was about 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

What did the driver say about the crash?

Driver Rizwan Abbas said the train was running at 100 km/h with a clear signal. He felt a sudden push and applied the brakes, but the coaches had already derailed.

Who is investigating the accident?

The Federal Government Inspector of Railways has been appointed inquiry officer. Compensation will be paid under the Railways insurance policy.