Scores die in mishaps across Punjab

Loss of lives during Eid holidays worries top rescue official

RAWALPINDI:

Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer has expressed concern over the loss of precious human lives in various incidents across the province including the Rawalpindi district during the Eid holidays.

He reviewed the details of over 45 deaths on roads, 28 in drowning emergencies, and 13 due to electrocution in various areas of Punjab.

During a meeting, an official briefed him on the emergencies including 6,460 road traffic accidents, 12,693 medical, 37 drowning, 225 fire, and 635 delivery emergencies among others.

In the meeting with all district emergency officers, the secretary commended the rescuers who sacrificed their Eid holidays to perform their duties during the festive season.

According to the provincial monitoring officer, the highest number of emergencies occurred in Lahore with 3,015 cases, followed by Faisalabad with 1,444, Multan with 1,244, Gujranwala with 1,064, Bahawalpur with 1,055, and the lowest number of emergencies (198) in Chakwal.

District emergency officers from various regions shared incident reports during the video link meeting.

In separate drowning emergencies, six people drowned in Jhelum, while three lost their lives in similar incidents in Murree.

Meanwhile, Dr Rizwan Naseer urged citizens to avoid swimming in rivers, canals, and water recreational sites without safety equipment.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2023.