Pakistan Railways’ preliminary investigation found that a broken side hanger from the Rehman Baba Express luggage coach became lodged in a turnout crossing before the train derailed near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan.

Pakistan Railways has released a preliminary investigation report into the derailment of the Rehman Baba Express near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, identifying a broken mechanical component as a likely cause of the accident that sent all 15 coaches off the tracks.

According to the initial findings, a side hanger attached to the train’s luggage coach broke during the journey. The damaged component became lodged in a turnout crossing, contributing to the derailment, investigators said.

The broken side hanger was recovered from the accident site, providing investigators with a key piece of evidence in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, the preliminary findings do not establish whether maintenance shortcomings or other technical issues also contributed to the accident.

The derailment occurred on Tuesday morning as the Rehman Baba Express was travelling from Karachi to Peshawar. The train went off the tracks near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, prompting rescue operations and the evacuation of injured passengers.

Initial reports placed the accident at around 5:15 a.m. Rescue teams transported injured passengers to hospitals for medical treatment.

Casualty figures varied across early reports. One update reported six deaths and 30 injuries, while another cited seven fatalities, including a child, and approximately 40 injured passengers. The final confirmed death and injury toll was not provided in the preliminary information available for this report.

Questions have also been raised about the train’s maintenance before the accident. A passenger reportedly claimed that nuts and bolts on coach No. 9 had been repaired near Rohri before the train reached Multan.

However, that account has not been established as a confirmed cause of the derailment in the preliminary investigation findings. The report instead identified the broken side hanger and its position in the turnout crossing as key factors in the incident.

The preliminary report represents an initial assessment of the accident. Further investigation would be needed to determine the full sequence of events, establish whether any maintenance-related problems were involved and clarify whether additional mechanical or operational factors contributed to the derailment.

The findings are expected to help investigators assess the circumstances of the accident and identify any further issues requiring examination. Until additional findings are available, the broken side hanger remains the principal mechanical factor identified in the preliminary report.