Karachi (Web Desk): At least ten people, including women and children, were killed and several others injured in a stampede during free ration distribution at a factory in the Site area of Karachi on Friday.
According to police, a huge number of people were gathered at the site when the ration was being distributed at a factory in the area.
The eye witnesses and rescue workers said several people fell into a nullah at the location during the stampede.
Nine bodies have been brought to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital from the stampede in Baldia Town, a spokesperson for the hospital.
At least two bodies of the dead were taken to the Civil Hospital in the metropolis, bringing the death toll to 11.
As per the Edhi sources, all deceased brought to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital were women among which three were younger girls, Faisal Edhi said.
Moreover, several people with injuries were shifted to the hospitals.
Speaking to newsmen, Superintendent of Police (SP) Muhammad Mughees Hashmi said that the area police confirmed that the incident took place because of a stampede, adding that the local police station was not informed prior to the distribution.
He said that seven people have been arrested so far and an investigation has been initiated.
Fearing that the death toll is likely to increase, SP Hashmi said that during the stampede water line also burst which fueled the situation.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the commissioner.
“The administration should be reported about any distribution of ration and welfare works. The report of the death of 11 people is very painful,” the chief minister said and expressed regret over the loss of life.
The Sindh CM ordered to immediately move the injured to hospitals for treatment.