ISLAMABAD: Amidst contradictory reports surrounding the devastating tragedy in Islamabad’s Peshawar Road area, where a wall of a building collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 11 people and injuring six others during heavy monsoon rains.
اسلام آباد: تھانہ نون کے علاقے میں گولڑہ موڑ چوک نزد قاہد اعظم ہسپتال کے قریب زیر تعمیر انڈر پاس کی دیوار بارش کی وجہ سے گرنے سے گیارہ سے زائد افراد نیچے دب کر جابحق ، مزید کی تلاش جاری: ریسکیو ذرائع pic.twitter.com/Dkgnj5bsqI
— Islamabad Updates (@IslamabadViews) July 19, 2023
Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, in an official statement, explained that the unfortunate incident occurred when a wall of a building fell onto a tent set up by labourers. The labourers were reportedly working on a project constructing an underpass on the city’s Grand Trunk Road, under orders from the National Highway Authority (NHA).
However, the NHA, contradicting some media reports, clarified that the collapsed wall was not part of the underpass structure. “There is no truth in the reports saying that the wall that collapsed due to rains is of an underpass,” the statement read, emphasizing the safety of the underpass construction site.
The NHA expressed their deep condolences over the incident, offering prayers for the deceased and their families.
The inclement weather has also led to severe waterlogging in low-lying regions across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, causing widespread disruptions and posing significant risks to residents.
Superintendent of Police for Industrial Area I-9, Khan Zeb, confirmed that the victims’ bodies were recovered from the wreckage with the help of machinery.
The deceased individuals, thought to be labourers, were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Dr Mubashir Daha, spokesperson for Pims’ Executive Director Dr Imran Sikander, confirmed this.
Dr Daha further revealed that six injured individuals were also admitted to the hospital, with one being discharged after receiving initial medical assistance. The remaining five are reportedly out of danger.
Zeb also confirmed that rescue teams promptly arrived at the site after receiving information about the disaster. Rescue efforts continue, as it is suspected that more individuals could still be trapped under the debris.
In response to the emergency, the Pims hospital authorities have put all doctors and paramedic staff on high alert. Dr Daha stated, “The Pims administration is fully alert after the intense rainfalls in the twin cities,” adding that the hospital staff stands prepared to deal with any sudden catastrophe.
Chairman Capital Development Authority, Noor ul Amin Mengal also visited the incident site and shared the tragic news through his official Twitter handle.
Visited incident site of wall collapse at Golra Morr earlier this morning to check Dewatering, Search and Rescue operation. All possible resources are bring utilized to facilitate people.
11 deceased and 5 injured have been shifted to PIMS. pic.twitter.com/QgCTZ9xxZv
— Noor Ul Amin Mengal (@Noormengal_) July 19, 2023
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his condolences, expressing “deep grief and sorrow” over the incident, as reported by Radio Pakistan. Additionally, he directed the district administration to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy rains.
