Punjab

Two labourers die in workplace accident

Victims, while removing iron lintel, touched high-voltage wires and died at the scene

Abid Hussain January 01, 2024

Labourers unload sacks of dried red chili peppers at the Mirch Mandi wholesale market, in Kunri, Umerkot, Pakistan, February 25, 2022. "Last year, at this time, there used to be around 8,000 to 10,000 bags of chillies in the market," said trader Raja Daim. "This year, you can see that there are barely 2,000 bags here, and it is the first day of the week. By tomorrow, and the day after, it will become even less." REUTERS

Two labourers were electrocuted while removing a lintel from an old building on Sunday. The victims, while removing the iron lintel, touched high voltage wires and died at the scene.

An old building in Rail Data Chowk Buchiana was being demolished and two laborers were removing a broken iron lintel. The iron touched an 11,000 kV electric main line passing near the building, due to which both workers were electrocuted to death on the spot. After receiving information about the incident, Bachiana Police and rescue teams reached the spot.

Read Five labourers killed in Wana

They turned over the bodies of the deceased laborers to their heirs after necessary action. The two workers were identified as 25-year-old Muhammad Idris and 45-year-old Muhammad Afzal, both of whom hail from Buchiana.

The sudden death of the two laborers caused chaos in their houses, while the atmosphere throughout the town was mournful. The deceased Muhammad Idris had a daughter, while Muhammad Afzal was a father of five; both victims were the sole breadwinners of their respective households.

Funeral prayers for both deceased were held in the main cemetery of Buchiana.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2024