QUETTA: The engine of the newly launched Jinnah Peoples Train, operating between Kuchlak and Sariab, derailed near Kuchlak Railway Station on Sunday while leaving for its next destination towards Quetta.

No casualties were reported and all passengers remained safe.

Railway authorities immediately arranged a replacement engine and the train departed for Sariab after a brief delay.

According to railway offi­­cials, engine No. 5120 der­a­iled on Line No. 3 on Sunday while reversing dur­ing routine shunting operations. Officials initially attributed the incident to the alleged theft of a fishplate, saying an investigation was under way to determine the actual cause.

However, Kuchlak police disputed the railway authorities’ claim and said the derailment was caused by the poor condition of the track, where railway workers had been carrying out work. Railway authorities have ordered an inquiry into the derailment.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2026