SUKKUR/KARACHI: Eight mourners, including two brothers, were killed and five more were injured after a flagpole hit an 1100-kilovolt power line in District Shikarpur’s Dakhan town during the hoisting of the Alam.
The flagpole struck the high-tension wires, causing electrocution. Rescue teams took the casualties to a nearby hospital. The deceased included Din Muhammad and Hidayatullah, sons of Zaheer Lolai; Arbab, son of Ehsan Lolai; Tauheed, son of Saifullah Lolai; Shafique Lolai; Khalid Lolai and Hassan Solangi.
Shikarpur SSP Muhammad Kaleem inspected the site of the incident and supervised the rescue. He said that it was an accident, adding that police officials present at the scene took part in the rescue.
The casualties were initially taken to a private hospital in Dakhan, from where the injured are being referred to Sukkur, Larkana and Shikarpur hospitals for further care. A large number of locals gathered at the Dakhan hospital. Police and rescue teams were also present on-site. Sukkur/Larkana DIG Nasir Aftab Pathan directed SSP Kaleem to ensure all medical facilities are provided to the injured.
Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakil Ahmed Abro confirmed that eight mourners had died and five were injured. He also said that it was an accident, adding that during the hoisting of the Alam, the flagpole came into contact with an 1100 kV conductor wire when it slipped from the mourners’ hands.
Sindh police chief Javed Alam Odho sought a detailed report from SSP Kaleem. IG Odho directed him to immediately contact the organisers to provide all possible assistance and facilities to the victims and their families. He also ordered securing the site of the incident and keeping the roads clear to ensure smooth traffic flow and uninterrupted movement in the area.
Sindh Minister for Culture & Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah contacted DC Abro and expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident. He sought a detailed report and directed the administration to provide complete assistance to the victims and their families. Senior Minister for Information and Transport & Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in the incident.
A statement quoted Memon as saying that he shares the grief of the families. He prayed for Allah Almighty to grant the deceased a place in His mercy, and give patience and strength to the bereaved families.
He said the Sindh government stands with the affected families in this difficult hour, and would provide all possible support to them. He added that the administration has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and submit a detailed report after reviewing all aspects.
He stressed that the responsible factors would be identified so that effective measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in future. The protection of the public’s lives and properties remains among the top priorities of the Sindh government, he concluded.
