Rehman Baba Express derails near Multan, killing at least four

The Peshawar-bound Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah in Multan district on Tuesday morning, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, according to officials and rescue personnel. The cause has not been established, and casualty figures varied among reports issued as rescue operations continued. The train was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar when it came off the tracks near Sher Shah Railway Station and Sher Shah Bridge. Railway and police accounts placed the accident at about 5:15 a.m.; Punjab emergency services said it was reported at 5:21 a.m. Rescue officials said all 14 coaches derailed. Injured passengers were taken to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. The reported death toll ranged from four to at least six. Punjab emergency-services spokesman Farooq Ahmed reported four deaths and at least 17 injuries. A rescue worker at the scene gave the same death toll and said 25 people were injured. Pakistan Railways’ spokesperson told Dawn at least five people had died and more than 30 were injured, while police told Geo News at least six had died and 30 were injured.