Train Engine Derails Near Kuchlak, Passengers Safe

A train engine derailed near Kuchlak Railway Station in Balochistan on Sunday, disrupting the journey of the newly launched Jinnah Peoples Train as it was preparing to move towards Quetta. Railway officials said the incident took place during movement between Kuchlak and Sariab, but no casualties were reported and all passengers remained safe.

The incident involved engine No. 5120, which derailed on Line No. 3 while it was reversing during routine shunting operations. The train was leaving for its next destination when the engine came off the track, prompting railway authorities to respond at the site and arrange an alternative engine.

Officials said a replacement engine was provided shortly after the derailment, allowing the train to continue towards Sariab after a brief delay. The quick replacement helped prevent a longer disruption for passengers, though the incident has again drawn attention to railway safety and track maintenance in Balochistan.

Initial claims from railway authorities suggested that the derailment may have been linked to the alleged theft of a fishplate from the track. Officials said an investigation was being carried out to determine the actual cause of the incident and whether missing track components contributed to the engine leaving the line.

Local police, however, disputed the railway authorities’ initial explanation. Police in Kuchlak said the derailment was caused by the poor condition of the track, adding that railway workers had already been carrying out work in the area. This difference between the two accounts has made the official inquiry important for establishing responsibility.

The incident occurred at a time when public confidence in rail operations depends heavily on visible safety checks, timely maintenance and transparent reporting after disruptions. Even though passengers were not harmed, derailments can raise concerns about infrastructure reliability, especially on routes where repair work, ageing tracks or missing components may create operational risks.

Railway authorities have ordered an inquiry into the derailment. The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the track, the shunting process, maintenance activity at the site and the competing claims made by railway officials and police. The findings will be important for deciding whether the incident was caused by theft, track weakness, operational error or a combination of factors.