The preliminary investigation report has said that missing fishplates and the broken track were the causes of the train derailment in Sindh’s Nawabshah.

The report, seen by Aaj News, straight up says that the act of sabotage cannot be ruled out.

“After checking from all the aspects, we came to conclusion that accident took place due to fresh rail broken and fishplates missing,” the report notes.

“Train engine left from the site without examination of senior subordinates.,” the report adds.

It adds that “Hence engine branch and mechanical branch held responsible for this accident.”

However, two officers said they did not agree with the joint report.

One added that there were grazing marks visible on the outside of the wheel disc and said the derailment happened due to the ‘spread of gauge’.

The other dissenting officer wrote that the derailment happened due to ‘three Axel of engine jammed, resulting in “deep flange” which left hitting marks on all previous fishplates’.

Railways Minister Saad Rafique said that the final report that would give a definitive opinion of how the accident took place would be prepared by the Federal Government Inspector of Railways who has been on-site for investigation since Sunday.

Rafique added that it would take up to 48 hours for an initial report after which a detailed report would be published in one or one and a half weeks.

“Whoever is responsible will not be spared. That person will be punished,” he said.

Rafique also said that five officers from the railways had carried out a ‘preliminary research’ but had presented dissenting opinions.