Driver blamed after Karachi-bound Shalimar Express derails near Shahdara

The Shalimar Express, traveling from Lahore to Karachi, derailed near Shahdara on Friday, causing disruptions in railway operations.

According to railway officials, three carriages of the train went off the tracks. Emergency teams promptly reached the site to assist passengers and restore operations.

A railway spokesperson confirmed that the train had departed Lahore at 7:30 am.

No casualties were reported, and all affected passengers were safely evacuated.

Following the incident, Railway CEO Aamir Ali Baloch ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.

To clear the track, a relief train was dispatched from Lahore, while the Karakoram Express, en route from Karachi to Lahore, was halted at Sheikhupura and rerouted via Sangla Hill and Wazirabad.

Passengers from the derailed train were transported to Shahdara Railway Station and later boarded a relief train back to Lahore. Another Shalimar Express was arranged from Lahore to facilitate their journey to Karachi.

Initial findings suggest the derailment was caused by excessive speed. Footage obtained by Aaj News showed that the train was traveling too fast, and according to the Divisional Superintendent of Railways, the driver failed to apply brakes in time.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences.