At least five killed in roof collapse during BISP disbursement in Rahim Yar Khan

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least five women were killed and several others were injured when the roof of a shop collapsed during the distribution of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district, officials from the district administration and the BISP said.

District administration spokesperson, Mohammad Ateeq Khan, while speaking to Dawn said reports suggest more than 200 people were gathered on the first floor of a local shop in the Chak 123-P Tibba locality when the incident occurred.

The roof, built with substandard material, could not bear the load of the women and collapsed.

Rescue 1122 officials started relief activities and shifted the injured to Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH), where an emergency was declared by the district administration.

BISP Rahim Yar Khan Director Talha Bin Amman also told Dawn that five women died, while 20 were injured during the mishap. “The majority of women were at the shop because of [upcoming] Eid.”

However, initial reports by the district administration stated that 57 injured people were brought to the hospital, with one of them in a critical condition.

On the other hand, an eyewitness said seven women died on the spot, while more than 30 were injured during the stampede. The women were waiting at the shop since morning, but the retailer was not releasing the amount to them, despite having multiple devices. Instead they were instructed to wait on the first floor.

A detailed report of the incident was being prepared by the district administration and Rescue 1122.

Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa and District Police Officer Irfan Ali Sammo visited the site and monitored the rescue operations. They also visited the injured at a hospital.