6 Railways OfficialsSuspended in Hazara Express Tragedy

 

OfficialSuspensions Follow Hazara Express Derailment Leading to Tragedy

The administration of Pakistan Railways has taken swift action following the derailment of the Hazara Express near Nawabshah, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives and numerous injuries. Six officials, including two 18-grade officers, have been suspended in connection with the incident.

The Hazara Express, bound for Havelian, witnessed the derailment of ten of its bogies near the Sarhari Railway Station in Sindh's Sanghar district. Initial reports from Pakistan Railways (PR) attributed the accident to a combination of railway line breakage and a hot axle, which led to the disruption of movement.

However, doubts were raised by Railways Minister Saad Rafique, who suggested that both sabotage and mechanical faults could be plausible explanations. He had asserted that the railway track was in good condition.

Inresponse to the incident, a six-member investigative team was assembled toexamine the crash.

In a recent development, the Ministry of Railways has suspended six officers with immediate effect, invoking Rule-5 of the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, until further notice. The suspended officials include individuals from various roles within the railway administration.

This action comes in the wake of a departmental investigation revealing critical factors that led to the derailment. The probe indicated that missing fishplates and a damaged track were responsible for the incident. The locomotive's skidding was identified as an additional contributing factor.

The investigative report suggested that the train's engine left the site without proper examination by senior subordinates. It also noted the presence of "hitting spots" on the iron fishplates and wooden terminal beyond the accident point, ultimately attributing responsibility to the engineering and mechanical branches.

Notably, the report acknowledged the possibility of sabotage, considering the significant distance the derailed coaches were dragged.

Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique highlighted two crucial factors that contributed to the tragedy during a National Assembly session. He mentioned the jamming of two locomotive wheels and a flaw in the rail top. These factors compounded to create a lethal situation.

The minister assured that a comprehensive report on the incident will be available soon and expressed the need for investment in the railway sector to ensure its efficient operation. Additionally, he announced compensation for the victims' families and underscored the importance of addressing railway infrastructure concerns.

As investigations continue and authorities work to prevent similar accidents in the future, the spotlight remains on improving railway safety and infrastructure for the nation's well-being.

 

Minister Sheds Light on Critical Factors Behind Tragic Train Crash


Pakistan's Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, has provided crucial insights into the underlying causes that contributed to the recent tragic train crash. The incident involved the derailment of the Hazara Express near Nawabshah, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous injuries. Rafique highlighted two primary factors that played a pivotal role in the devastating event.

Firstly, the minister pointed out that the jamming of two locomotive wheels located behind the train's engine played a crucial role in the catastrophe. These wheels became immobile, prompting the application of lubricants to free them. However, the minister highlighted that in terms of safety, it would have been more prudent to detach these locomotives altogether, thereby averting the risk of such a derailment.

Secondly, Rafique emphasized a flaw in the rail's topography as another contributing factor. This flaw exacerbated the situation and compounded the consequences of the jammed locomotive wheels. The combination of these two factors created a lethal sequence of events that resulted in the tragic train crash.

The minister's candid insights into these critical factors provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident. By addressing these issues, authorities can work towards preventing similar accidents in the future and improving the safety of the country's railway system.