Child worker dies in Burewala kiln tragedy

BUREWALA:

A 14-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a burning furnace while working at the kiln.

Witnesses said Ali Hasan, who was performing his usual duties, lost balance and slipped into the fire. He sustained severe burns and succumbed to his injuries despite rescue efforts.

Rescue teams rushed the boy to a nearby hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. His body was later handed over to the family after legal formalities.

Social activists and human rights organisations expressed deep anger and sorrow over the tragedy, saying the incident has exposed the government's failure to enforce child labour laws. They pointed out that only a few months ago, a similar accident at the same kiln claimed the life of a young girl, yet authorities from the labour department, district administration, and Social Welfare Department confined their response to paperwork and press statements.

Activists condemned the use of minors in hazardous and physically demanding jobs, declaring it not only a legal offence but also a grave violation of human rights.

Police and district authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, but locals expressed frustration, claiming that every such tragedy is followed by "a few hours of token action" before the issue fades away.