Teen dies after falling into pit dug by WASA

Alleged negligence by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) claimed the life of a teenage boy on Dhoke Kala Khan Service Road, where a 17-foot-deep pit dug for a water tank had been left uncovered for over six months.

The victim, identified as 17-year-old Rehan Masih, slipped and fell into the pit while playing near a cricket ground adjacent to the site.

The trench, dug for a water tank to serve union councils 21, 22, 23, and 24, remains incomplete due to a reported lack of funds.

According to locals, the pit measures approximately 17-19 feet in depth, 30 feet in length, and 4 feet in width.

It has accumulated filthy rainwater and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

On the day of the incident, Rehan was fielding during a game of cricket when he accidentally slipped into the pit. Due to its depth, he did not survive. Locals retrieved the body with difficulty and sent it for post-mortem to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital. Following the examination, the body was handed over to the family and later buried.

Residents reported frequent minor incidents at the site and said they had raised concerns before.

However, the fatal accident has sparked widespread outrage. Locals staged protests against WASA and demanded immediate action.

Rehan's brother, Shan Masih, speaking to reporters, demanded that authorities immediately close the pit to prevent future tragedies. He stated that despite 24 hours passing since the incident, no WASA officials had reached out to the family or expressed condolences.