KARACHI: At least 11 people died and several were injured Friday amid a stampede inside the premises of a factory at the Naurus intersection in Karachi’s SITE area, the latest incident in which people lost their lives to seek free edibles.
The incident occurred while people were gathered at a dyeing factory in the city’s industrial area to collect ration — which is part of charity drives that Karachiites hold every Ramadan to help the needy.
Those killed in the incident include eight women and three children, rescue sources and police officials told the news channels.
Six people also fainted during the stampede, rescue sources told Geo News. Meanwhile, police officials stated that a huge number of people were gathered at the site when the ration was being distributed.
A lot of people who died, as per rescue sources, fell into a nullah at the factory. Also, eyewitnesses told the media outlet that people were called for Zakat distribution.
Updating about the number of deceased individuals, Edhi sources said that nine bodies were taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, while two were taken to the Civil Hospital.
All deceased, according to the Edhi sources, brought to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital were women among which three were younger girls, Faisal Edhi said. The police informed Geo News that 15 injured were shifted to both hospitals.
Taking notice of the incident Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori has sought a report from the Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon. The governor also expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the stamped and sought a report from the commissioner. “Administration should duly report about distribution of ration and welfare efforts,” CM Murad said.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Muhammad Mughees Hashmi, speaking to journalists, said that the area police confirmed that the incident took place because of a stampede, adding that the local police station was not informed prior to the distribution.