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The recent derailment of the Hazara Express near Nawabshah has claimed at least 30 lives and left numerous injured. A preliminary report from a six-member inquiry team of Pakistan Railways sheds light on the causes behind the tragic incident. The Report points out missing fishplates and damaged tracks in Nawabshah Train Crash as primary factors contributing to the derailment. Key findings of the report, dissenting opinions, potential sabotage, and the state of rail infrastructure in Pakistan are categorically explained hereunder. In addition, we’ll also discuss the track’s connection to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Missing Fishplates and Damaged Track identified as Causes
According to a preliminary report released by the Pakistan Railways inquiry team, The report points out missing fishplates and damaged track in Nawabshah Train Crash the Hazara Express derailment was primarily caused by missing fishplates and a damaged track. The investigation considered various aspects and concluded that the accident resulted from a fresh rail break and the absence of fishplates.
Skidding Locomotive and Subsequent Derailment
The report points out missing fishplates and damaged track in Nawabshah Train Crash and The inquiry team identified another contributing factor – the skidding of the train’s locomotive. The report highlights how the train’s engine left the crash site without undergoing examination by senior officials. It also points out “little hitting spots” on the iron fishplates and wooden terminal beyond the accident site, holding the engineering and mechanical branches accountable for the accident.
Dissenting opinions and potential sabotage
Despite the majority consensus on the causes of the derailment, two members of the inquiry team offered dissenting opinions. One member suggested that the accident occurred due to missing fishplates, a broken rail, and the engine’s derailment inside the track caused by the spread of the gauge. The other dissenting official believed that the derailment resulted from an engine axle jam, leading to deep fling and subsequent damage to fish bolts.
Read more Tragic Train Derailment in Pakistan
Sabotage Considered, Investigation Continues
The report points out missing fishplates and damaged tracks in Nawabshah Train Crash, The report acknowledges that sabotage cannot be entirely ruled out. The fact that the derailed coaches were dragged to a distance of 750 feet raised suspicions of possible deliberate interference. Despite this, a detailed probe is ongoing, and the final report is anticipated to provide further insights.
State of Rail Infrastructure and Safety
The derailment incident has spotlighted the state of Pakistan’s rail infrastructure and the urgency of ensuring passenger safety. The report highlights the dire condition of the tracks, including loose joints, missing bolts, and other deficiencies. A past official report from 2021 had already warned about the precarious state of the tracks in Sukkur Division.
CPEC Connection and Track Upgrades
The report points out missing fishplates and damaged track in Nawabshah Train Crash said, The track where the derailment occurred is a part of Pakistan Railways’ main line that is slated for an upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This accident emphasizes the need for comprehensive modernization and improvements to ensure safe and efficient rail travel.
Future steps and safety measures
While the immediate causes of the accident have been identified, the rail authorities are taking steps to prevent future incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report is expected. Ensuring proper maintenance, timely inspections, and thorough safety measures are crucial to avert such tragedies in the future.
Calls for accountability and action
The derailment tragedy has prompted calls for accountability within the Pakistan Railways system. The public demands that those responsible for the lapses leading to the accident be held accountable and that necessary steps be taken to rectify systemic issues.
The preliminary report on the Hazara Express derailment sheds light on the immediate causes of the tragedy. The initial report pointed out missing fishplates and a damaged track as a core reason behind its derailment.
The incident underscores the need for comprehensive rail infrastructure upgrades and safety measures. As investigations continue, attention must be given to preventing future accidents and holding those accountable for lapses in safety standards.
