Removal of transformer led to power failure at Ibne Qasim Bagh Stadium: Eyewitness

Eyewitness says MEPCO workers took away transformer, disrupting power supply to the entire stadium

MULTAN: Power failure at Multan’s Ibne Qasim Bagh Stadium, which allegedly led to a deadly stampede at the end of a PTI rally, was a result of MEPCO’s ill-timed decision to remove a transformer installed in the area, an eyewitness told Express News on Sunday.   

Seven PTI supporters were killed and dozens more sustained injuries in the stampede triggered by thousands of PTI workers scrambling to exit gates as power supply was disrupted.

Gatekeeper at a nearby park Muhammad Siddiq told Express News that MEPCO workers took away the transformer as soon as the speeches ended, disrupting power supply to the entire stadium.

Express News correspondent, who was present inside the stadium during the stampede, said power did go out for around seven minutes during which panicked attendees ran towards exit gates.

Responding to the eyewitness’ claim, MEPCO officials stated that the said transformer was only installed outside the stadium as back up and was not the main source of electricity to the building.