At least five women were killed and 30 others injured after the roof of a building collapsed in Rahim Yar Khan while they were gathering to collect funds under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Express news reported.
According to Rescue 1122 officials, the incident occurred in Chak 125-P when several women were on the roof of a dealer’s shop to receive financial assistance under the programme.
More than 200 women had reportedly gathered at the site and the structure collapsed due to its weak condition.
Teams from Rescue 1122, Edhi Foundation and other emergency services rushed to the spot and the women were taken to Sheikh Zayed Hospital where an emergency has been declared to deal with the situation.
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A spokesman for the district administration said the injured were given the best possible medical treatment and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Two years ago, at least 12 people, including three children, were killed in a stampede during the distribution of Zakat in a private company near Norris Chowrangi in the Sindh Industrial and Trading Estate area.
According to an Edhi Foundation volunteer, the stampede happened after a power line allegedly fell during the distribution of the rations. However, the claim was later rejected.
