At least five people were killed and 30 others injured when a passenger train derailed in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province early Tuesday, local media reported.

All 14 coaches of the Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah Bridge in Multan at around 5:15 a.m. local time (0015 GMT), Geo News reported, citing police and rescue officials.

The train was travelling from Karachi, Pakistan’s southern port city, to Peshawar in the northwest when the accident occurred, according to a passenger quoted by the broadcaster.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Nishtar Hospital in Multan for treatment. Officials said 13 coaches had been cleared, while rescue operations continued in the remaining carriage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the accident and directed authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure that the injured received immediate medical attention.

A passenger told Geo News that workers had repaired nuts and bolts on the train’s ninth coach near Rohri before the derailment. However, authorities had not established the cause of the accident.

Pakistan has experienced several deadly railway accidents in recent years, raising concerns over railway safety and infrastructure.

In August 2023, at least 30 people were killed and more than 100 injured when the Hazara Express derailed near Nawabshah in southern Sindh province, according to Geo News.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s derailment. (ILKHA)