By Imtiaz Hussain
KHAIRPUR: A fire erupted in the power carriage of the Karachi Express near Kot Lalu, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and forcing railway authorities to bring the train to an emergency halt. The incident, which occurred while the train was en route from Lahore to Karachi, sparked immediate panic among passengers, though officials later confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
Railway staff scrambled to contain the flames as passengers watched in alarm, but efforts were hindered by the absence of immediate firefighting assistance. As the train stood motionless on the tracks, awaiting the arrival of fire brigade personnel, railway authorities worked to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of those on board.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, with officials launching an investigation to determine whether it was due to an electrical fault, overheating, or another technical malfunction. The Karachi Express, one of Pakistan’s key passenger trains, has faced maintenance concerns in the past, and the latest incident is likely to renew scrutiny over railway safety measures.
Despite the emergency response, the delay left passengers stranded, raising fresh questions about Pakistan Railways’ preparedness for such incidents. Authorities have assured that a full inquiry will be conducted, but for those on board, the experience was another stark reminder of the challenges plaguing the country’s railway system.
