Initial probe shows three fishplates were disconnected

LAHORE: The initial findings of the joint investigation team (JIT) on the Head Chanawan Bridge tragedy have revealed multiple factors that might have contributed to the disaster that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers.
Among other notable observations, the JIT found that three fishplates of the track were found disconnected while their riveting was loose as
well.
The speed limit for the special train was set at 30 km/hour; however, it was travelling at 65 km/hour when the accident occurred.
It has also been found that a wheel of one of the bogies derailed as soon as the train got onto the bridge which caused problems.
Noticing this problem, the driver applied emergency breaks which broke the track and the train fell into the canal, the JIT observed.
A Railways spokesperson said the findings were part of the larger investigation being conducted by the JIT and no official final verdict had been issued yet.
However, the final verdict over the findings of the JIT would be made public most likely on Sunday evening, the spokesperson said.
Online adds: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Saturday said an initial investigation report revealed that a technical fault caused the special train carrying army troops to derail and plunge into a canal in Gujranwala.
Speaking to a private channel, Rana Sana said the initial investigation report had not found the incident to be an act of sabotage or terrorist bomb blast.
Marks found around 300 to 400 yards away from the crash site appeared to show it was caused due to a technical fault in the bogie or train engine, he added.
The provincial minister said the final report of the joint investigation team would be released in the next one to two days.