Toxic sewer gas claims lives of two youths

MIANWALI:

Two men died and another was injured after being overcome by toxic gas while attempting to clear a blocked sewer manhole in Wan Bhachran, authorities said.

The incident occurred near Government Higher Secondary School in Mohalla Balochan, where a sewer line constructed under a Public Health Engineering Department scheme had reportedly become clogged with waste and gas.

According to reports, local contractor Malik Allah Bakhsh Awan arrived at the site with his 16-year-old son, Muhammad Adeel, and relative Bilal Ahmad to inspect and reopen the blocked sewer line.

Due to illness, the contractor remained in his vehicle while the two youths examined the manhole.

Police and rescue officials said Adeel opened a sealed manhole and climbed inside, where he was immediately overcome by a buildup of toxic gas and lost consciousness.

In an attempt to rescue him, Bilal Ahmad entered the manhole but was also affected by the fumes and collapsed.

A third youth, Rana Faizan, was lowered into the manhole with ropes to assist in the rescue but also lost consciousness due to the poisonous gas.

Bystanders managed to pull him out.

Rescue 1122 personnel and local residents reached the scene and retrieved all three victims from the sewer.

They were shifted to Wan Bhachran Hospital, where Adeel was pronounced dead. Bilal Ahmad, who had initially been referred to Mianwali Hospital in critical condition, later succumbed to his injuries.

Rana Faizan remains under treatment.

Deputy Commissioner Mianwali Asad Abbas Magsi visited the scene and hospitals, directing authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured survivor.

The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over Wan Bhachran and sparked renewed concerns about the area's deteriorating sewerage system.