MULTAN: Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday said four people, including a minor girl, were killed and around 30 others injured in the Rahman Baba Express derailment, with one injured person in a critical condition. He said a thorough investigation would be conducted and anyone found responsible would be brought to justice, adding that financial assistance would also be provided to the victims. Speaking to the media here after the visit, Hanif Abbasi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had contacted him by telephone soon after receiving news of the accident and expressed deep concern over the incident.
The minister said he immediately left for Multan after being informed about the derailment. The minister added that the loss of precious human lives was deeply tragic and could never be compensated. He said the loss of loved ones was an irreparable tragedy for any family and such an accident should not have occurred. All aspects of the incident would be examined, he added. He said the prime minister had directed the authorities to investigate the accident and take action against those responsible. Anyone found involved in the incident would face action in accordance with the law, he added. Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan Railways was taking steps to improve railway tracks, train maintenance and the mechanical system.
Long-distance trains were being given special attention under the improvement measures to ensure safer and better travel facilities for passengers. He said work was also underway to improve railway coaches, with efforts being made to introduce coaches with stronger cups and other related components to reduce the risk of damage in the event of accidents. The federal minister appreciated the role of the agencies involved in rescue operations following the accident. He said the district administration, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Army personnel and rescue workers had played an active role in the relief efforts. He reiterated that efforts to improve the railway system would continue and the causes of the accident would be established through an investigation, followed by action against those found responsible.