Gaping manhole swallows another life

The death of three-year-old Ibrahim exposes city's failing drainage infrastructure, delayed municipal response

KARACHI:

A three-year-old boy, Ibrahim, lost his life after falling into an open manhole near NEPA Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi. The incident occurred Sunday night around 10:30pm while he was out with his parents. Eyewitnesses said Ibrahim broke free and ran toward the manhole, temporarily covered with cardboard, which gave way beneath him. His body was recovered early Monday morning after a desperate 15-hour search.

Rescue teams from Rescue 1122 and Edhi Marine Services responded immediately, and local volunteers also took part in the search. Heavy machinery was arranged, and donations collected to assist in the operation, as official authorities were reportedly absent for several hours. Despite widespread media coverage, municipal officials faced criticism for their delayed response.

Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad said that an investigation had been launched and assured that relevant teams were present at the site, with measures being taken to address municipal responsibilities and prevent such incidents in the future. Residents and family members staged protests, blocking traffic at NEPA Chowrangi to demand urgent action. MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar, who arrived at the scene, attributed responsibility to the Mayor of Karachi and urged the administration to ensure the safety of children, women, and elderly residents. The incident has drawn attention to Karachi's ongoing issues with damaged drainage systems, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed municipal response.