Karachi-bound train derails at Shahdara bridge near Sheikhupura

LAHORE/SHEIKHUPURA: A Shalimar Express train derailed from its tracks on Friday at Shahdara bridge near the city of Sheikhupura, while enroute to Karachi from Lahore.

Three coaches of the train derailed, prompting rescue services to rush to the site, officials said, adding that train services were also suspended as a result of the incident.

"The Shalimar Express (train) had left Lahore for Karachi at 7:30am," a railway spokesperson said after the incident. 

He revealed that "all passengers on board the three derailed coaches are safe" and were taken to Shahdara railway station.

He said that CEO Railways Aamir Ali Baloch has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The train that was involved in the derailment has left for Khanewal, the spokesperson said.

Passengers aboard seven coaches will reach Wazirabad and Sangla Hill via Sheikhupura while passengers of the other eight coaches will reach Sahiwal and Khanewal via Lahore, according to the spokesperson.

Shalimar Express will be re-prepared at Khanewal Railway Station and will depart for Karachi, he said.

He said that a Karakoram Express train bound for Lahore from Karachi has been stopped at Sheikhupura Railway Station.

This train will reach Lahore via Sangla Hill via Wazirabad, he said.

Earlier, he had said that a relief train was enroute to Lahore to clear the railway track.

Passengers of the affected train will be taken to Lahore Railway Station by the relief train. Then, another Shalimar Express train from Lahore will take these passengers to Karachi via Sahiwal.

"Trains from Karachi to Lahore are being diverted to Wazirabad instead of Sheikhupura," the spokesperson said. 

Meanwhile, a passenger train coming from Jaranwala has been stopped at Missan Kalar Railway Station.