Missing fishplates, damaged track caused train derailment in Pakistan that killed 34 people: Report

At least 34 people were killed when a train derailed in southern Pakistan. AFP

A preliminary probe report into the derailment of the Hazara Express train in Pakistan's Sindh province, which resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, has identified missing fishplates and a damaged track as the main causes of the accident. The report also noted the skidding of the train's locomotive as a contributing factor.

The Hazara Express, traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi, derailed near the Sarhari Railway Station in Nawabshah district. The preliminary report from the Pakistan Railways inquiry team stated that the accident was caused by fresh rail breakage and missing fishplates.

"Missing fishplates and a damaged track caused the derailment of the Hazara Express, the preliminary report was quoted as stating by the Dawn newspaper on Tuesday.

"After checking from all the aspects, we came to (the) conclusion that (the) accident took place due to fresh rail broken and fishplates missing," said the report released by the six-member Pakistan Railways inquiry team on Monday.

The team also identified the skidding of the train's locomotive as another reason behind the derailment.

The report says the train engine had left the site without examination by senior subordinates.

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However, some railway officials are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage in the accident.

Moreover, "little hitting spots" were found on the iron fishplates and wooden terminal beyond the accident point. "Hence the eng­i­neering branch and mechanical branch are held responsible for this accident," it reads.

At least 34 people died and over 100 were injured in the accident, officials said.

Two of the team members gave dissenting notes.

Stating that he did not agree with the report, one member said, "The derailment took place due to two fishplates missing, broken rail, [and] engine derailment inside the track due to spread of the gauge. As a result, the grazing marks were also found visible outside the wheel disc. Also, no heating marks were observed on the track, fishplates and bolts."

According to the other disse­nting official, the actual cause of the derailment was "due to engine axle jamming resulting in deep fling which left hitting marks" at fishplates. "This deepness increased with continuous jamming, resulting in breakage of fish bolts for the missing fishplates," the official's note reads.

However, it was a "very initial probe report" as the final one will take some time to prepare, the report said.

"A detailed probe is underway as the Federal Government Inspector of Railways is on-site to find out the reason behind this tragedy," the report added. (Agencies)