Two children killed in Daska roof collapse
A rescuer inspects debris on the spot where the roof and walls of a building collapsed after downpour in Faisalabad. Such incidents continue unabated in Punjab, causing damage to property as rains lash the region. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Two children lost their lives, and three others sustained severe injuries when the deteriorating roof of a house collapsed in Wadala Sindhwan area, adjacent to Daska. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning.
Luqman, a resident of Wadala Sindwan, was asleep with his family when the ceiling of their room suddenly caved in around 1:30 am.
The collapse buried Luqman, his wife, and their three children under debris. The neighbours rushed to the scene, assisting in the rescue effort and transporting the victims to Civil Hospital Gujranwala.
However, due to the severity of the injuries and the lack of necessary facilities, the hospital staff declined to treat the injured, prompting their transfer to a private hospital.
Two of Luqman's children, Wali Muhammad and Urwa, succumbed to their injuries, while Luqman, his wife Kiran, and their daughter Hareem are currently undergoing treatment.
Luqman, employed in a private showroom, had recently installed a ceiling inside the decaying roof, unaware of its deteriorating condition.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in October 2023, when a two-story building collapsed in Dharamkot village, claiming the lives of two individuals.
Locals attribute these incidents to inadequate maintenance and lack of awareness regarding structural integrity.
The funeral prayers for the two deceased children were held in their native village of Wadala Sindwan, drawing mourners from across the region.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2024.