Pakistan Railways Dismisses Two Officers Over Khanewal Bridge Collapse

LAHORE – Pakistan Railways has dismissed two officers from service after an official inquiry found them responsible for negligence in connection with the fatal bridge collapse at Khanewal Railway Station last year.

The disciplinary action was taken following the completion of departmental proceedings related to the tragic incident that occurred on May 30, 2025. The collapse of a concrete slab from an ageing passenger and pedestrian overhead bridge resulted in the death of a railway employee and left a woman passenger seriously injured.

According to the inquiry report, former Divisional Engineer of the Multan Division, Abid Razzaq (BS-18), and Assistant Engineer Khanewal, Raja Yousaf (BS-17), were found negligent in performing their duties. Based on the findings, Pakistan Railways decided to remove both officials from service.

In an official statement, the railway administration emphasized its commitment to maintaining a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding negligence, incompetence, and professional misconduct. Authorities stated that the case had been pursued thoroughly and brought to its logical conclusion in accordance with the inquiry findings.

The administration further reaffirmed that accountability would remain a priority within the department and that no compromise would be made in matters involving public safety and loss of human life.

Details of the Accident

The tragic incident occurred at Khanewal Railway Station when a concrete slab detached from a deteriorating overhead pedestrian bridge estimated to be around 100 years old. The slab fell from a height of approximately 30 feet onto individuals below.

The collapse claimed the life of special ticket examiner Muhammad Ikram, who was struck directly by the falling structure. A woman passenger was also injured after falling with the collapsed slab and suffered multiple serious injuries.

The accident sparked widespread concern about the condition of railway infrastructure across the country and prompted calls for immediate inspections and maintenance of ageing facilities.

Immediate Response and Suspensions

Following the incident, then Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi ordered a comprehensive investigation and assured the public that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

Shortly after the collapse, Pakistan Railways suspended three officials over alleged negligence related to bridge maintenance and safety oversight. The suspended officers included Abid Razzaq, Divisional Engineer-I (BS-18), Raja Yousaf, Assistant Executive Engineer (BS-17), and Muhammad Adil, Bridge Inspector (BS-16).

Authorities stated at the time that preliminary findings indicated possible failures in conducting timely inspections and maintenance work on the ageing bridge structure.

Emergency teams from Rescue 1122 responded swiftly to the scene and carried out a challenging rescue operation. Rescue personnel used specialized equipment to remove the massive concrete slab, which reportedly weighed nearly one tonne, before recovering the body of Muhammad Ikram.

Inquiry Committee Findings

A high-level inquiry committee was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The committee included former Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways Amir Ali Baloch, Inspector General Railways Police Rai Tahir, and Divisional Superintendent Lahore Tariq Latif.

The committee conducted a detailed review of maintenance records, safety procedures, inspection reports, and operational responsibilities before reaching its conclusions.

According to the final report, negligence by responsible officials contributed to the failure to address structural risks associated with the deteriorating bridge, ultimately leading to the fatal collapse.

Commitment to Accountability

Pakistan Railways stated that the dismissals demonstrate the department’s commitment to accountability and public safety. Officials emphasized that infrastructure maintenance and passenger protection remain top priorities and that any negligence affecting human lives would be dealt with strictly.

Transport experts note that regular inspections and timely maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety of public infrastructure, particularly in facilities that have been in operation for decades.

The action against the two officers represents the final outcome of the inquiry process and sends a clear message regarding responsibility and accountability within the railway system.

As Pakistan Railways continues efforts to modernize and improve infrastructure across the country, authorities are expected to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.