Karachi:
Most victims of Friday’s building collapse in Lyaris Bagdadi area belong to Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Hindu Community, Express Pakinomist has learned. At least 16 members of the community have died in the tragic collapse of the five-story’s abandoned apartment building, while several are still feared caught under the rubble.
According to rescuers and community leaders, more than 20 Meghwar families lived in the building when it came down to early Friday morning. By Saturday night, the bodies of 16 people, including 25-year-old Rohit and his wife Geeta, were picked up. Rescue efforts are in the process of at least four more people who are believed to have been missed.
The last rituals for the victims are held in Kutchi Hall in Old Kumharwara, while burial takes place in the Hindu cemetery near Mowach Goth. Unlike the widespread Hindu tradition, the Meghwar community does not practice cremation; Instead, they bury their dead.
The tragedy has thrown the tight society into grief. Most of the victims are said to belong to the same large family. Their bodies have been placed in cold storage in Bilquis Edhi Maternity Home at Moosa Lane, while the grieving relatives have gathered on the nearby Muslim Kutchi Jamaat Khana.
Community spokesman Reema Maheshwari confirmed that the funerals would take place on Sunday. “This is a heartbreaking loss. Whole families are wiped out,” she told the Express Pakinomist. “We encourage authorities to support us in this difficult time.”
The deceased has been identified as Dayalal Shivji, Prabai Kishan Sondha, Prantik Harsi Sondha, Prem Kishan Sondha, Vandana Kailash, Archana Vishal, Kishan Dayalal, Ayush Jamna Das, Shani Jamna Vanjora, Kailash Jamna Vanjora, Usha Kailash, Prakash Shivji, Chetan Shivji, Rohit, Rohit, Rohit, and Geeta.
Lakshman Moraj Bagra, president of Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat, described the incident as “a disaster beyond words.” “Families who were once alive and full of life are now buried in concrete,” he said, calling on the government to secure proper rehabilitation of the affected families.
Bagra also confirmed that two women who are injured in the collapse are undergoing treatment in the hospital. He added that while some of the residents had managed to escape when signs of structural instability emerged, others who returned to collect belongings were captured in the collapse.
Maharaj Ram Nath, the top pontiff at Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, expressed grief over the tragedy and expanded solidarity with the deprived families. “This tragedy has shaken our entire community. The government must ensure that the survivors receive alternatively shelter and long -term support,” he said, talking to Express Pakinomist.
Rescue operations are sustained in the middle of fear that more bodies can still be caught during the waste. A formal study of the cause of building collapse has not yet been announced.
