A passenger train narrowly avoided a serious accident on Tuesday morning when one of its wheels cracked while it was stopped at Kharian Railway Station, officials confirmed. The timely detection and quick action by railway staff prevented what could have become a major rail disaster.
The train, carrying dozens of passengers and freight, was preparing to depart when staff noticed a visible crack in a wheel assembly. Railway engineers immediately halted operations and inspected the entire carriage, preventing the train from continuing on potentially unsafe tracks. “Our crew followed safety protocols and prevented a possible derailment,” a Pakistan Railways spokesperson told reporters.
Passengers described tense moments on the platform as maintenance teams worked swiftly to remove and replace the faulty wheel. No injuries were reported, and services resumed once technicians declared the train fit for travel.
This incident highlights ongoing safety challenges within Pakistan’s railway system. According to recent data, Pakistan Railways recorded 95 accidents in the current year alone, including derailments and collisions, underscoring the need for enhanced infrastructure and regular maintenance schedules.
Experts say mechanical failures such as wheel cracks or broken bogies, parts that connect train cars, can escalate quickly if undetected. Similar technical faults have been linked to other near‑misses and derailments across the country in recent years.
In related news, mechanical failures continue to make headlines internationally. For instance, the unexpected death of a prominent video game creator in an accident has raised discussions about safety measures across industries worldwide, even outside rail networks.
Pakistan Railways officials said they are inspecting older trains and reinforcing wheel assemblies to prevent repeat incidents. Wheel cracks at major stations like Kharian serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive safety checks to protect passengers across the network.
