Mishaps: Three children killed, 15 injured in rain- related accidents

Residents protest against TMO for not removing rain water from streets.

GUJRANWALA/ NAROWAL:

Three children were killed on Tuesday in rain-related accidents across the Gujranwala region. At least 15 people were injured. Four buffaloes were also killed when the roof of a cattle shed collapsed.

In Hafizabad, a five-year-old girl died after she and her family were caught underneath the rubble after the roof of their house caved in. Rescue officials said that the roof of Malik Ijaz’s house collapsed following an-hour long hailstorm. They said Ijaz, his wife Asma Rani and their daughter Sobia were trapped under the debris. Neighbours rushed to their rescue and also called for help. The injured were pulled out and taken to a hospital, where Sobia succumbed to her injuries. The others were later reported to be out of danger.

In Pindi Bhattian, four students Shoaib, Sherry Rehman, Matiullah and Sarfaraz were on their way to the madarassa, when the wall of Ziarat Khan’ restaurant fell on them. They were pulled out by some passers-by and taken to district headquarters hospital. Shoaib died on the way. The remaining were later reported to be out of danger.

In Narowal, a boy died after he was hit by a thunderbolt. Rescue officials said that Mufasil Sakhawat, 14, was struck in a field near his home in Saddowala village.

Elsewhere, roofs of a shop each on Narowal-Zafarwal Road and Eid Gah Road collapsed, causing thousands of rupees worth of damage.

Residents of Hafizabad Housing Colony protested against the tehsil administration on Wednesday for not removing rain water that had accumulated on the streets and was making its way into the houses.

They said that they had sent several complaints to the tehsil municipal officer but no one came to fix the problem. The TMO said that workers were removing water from low-lying areas of the city. He said they would be sent everywhere they were needed.

In Sialkot, Karam Din’s four buffaloes were killed when the roof of the dera in Chati Sheikhan fell on them. Two workers were injured and given first aid on the spot. In Koobey Chak, eight people were injured when a petrol pump shed fell on them. They were taken to a hospital, and reported to be out of danger.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2013.