Rawalpindi:
The newly launched Islamabad Express derailed near Sohawa only two hours after its inauguration due to a technical error, leaving several passengers easily wounded, although no deaths were reported.
The train, which was inaugurated by the Federal Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi at. 5.30 pm, derailed around 7 p.m. 19.30 near the hilly traces of Sohawa with a high crash.
The trainers were severely damaged and rail traffic remained suspended on both tracks for three hours.
Railway unions claimed that Islamabad Express was composed of old, discarded coaches who were renovated and painted to appear new.
They said security equipment was not available and despite repeated requests remained the essential material that ensured that passenger security remained in short supply.
Divisional Superintendent of Railways, RawalPindi, said that after receiving reports of the accident, engineers and technical staff were immediately sent to the scene.
Teams from Jhelum and Sohawa also joined the operation and cleared the track after three hours.
An internal examination of the derailment has been launched.
Passengers Arshad Ali and Rustam said the speed of the train had subsided when it entered the hilly section near Sohawa, and strange sounds came downstairs before the coaches derailed.
“It felt like an earthquake,” they remembered. Fortunately, all passengers remained in safety.
Three senior railways, including chief mechanical engineer and chief engineer, reached the place on Friday to make a query, with a report expected for the next few days.
Railway sources said the track in the area already had serious adaptation problems known by higher authorities.
The derailment took place because the railway wheel slipped off due to an incorrectly adjusted cross point.
