The Karachi city government has shifted blame onto the private housing society’s builder for the deaths of two children who fell into a manhole in Malir’s Memon Goth area. Three other children were rescued alive and are in critical condition.
The incident occurred when children gathered at a Muharram sabeel and the manhole lid collapsed under their weight. Residents rescued the children as rescue organizations were unreachable due to suspended cellular services.
This is not an isolated incident, as 17 people have died after falling into sewer nullahs or gutters in Karachi this year.
The deceased have been identified as 10-year-old Taha Lashari and 4-year-old Hasnain. The area is considered a stronghold of the ruling Sindh government’s party, the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad said the private society’s builder is responsible for providing facilities and infrastructure to residents. He acknowledged it was a big tragedy and visited the deceased’s family to offer condolences.
Murad also stated that citizens are partly responsible for such incidents, as they should inform police if they witness public property being damaged or stolen.
