Daily Times

LAHORE: At least five people, including three women and two girls, were killed when roof of a three-storey dilapidated house collapsed during a wedding ceremony near Wazir Khan Mosque, inside Delhi Gate on Sunday.

The sound of roof collapse along with cries and screams of women and children created panic and terror among the locals. A large number of people in the surrounding areas gathered at the spot and started rescue operation on their own. Upon being informed, rescue teams and police officials reached the spot and started rescue operation. As the area was congested, rescue workers were unable to bring in heavy equipment to remove the rubble or pull out the injured stuck under the debris on time.

More than 15 people received multiple injuries during the incident and were shifted to a nearby hospital where bride’s mother 40-year-old Tasfeela Bibi, her two younger sisters, nine-year-old Jameela and ten-year-old Aqsa, and two relatives, 28-year-old Mehvish and 30-year-old Dua, succumbed to injuries. The injured included bride’s father Jamil, Ayesha, Nabeela, ten-year-old Haroon, four-year-old Damam and
five-year-old Ayan.

Later, the police handed over the dead bodies to the family members after completing legal formalities. A large number of family members, relatives and locals attended the funeral prayers.

The locals were of the view that the Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) had introduced a new law of construction inside the Walled City. They said that nobody was allowed to demolish or construct his dilapidated property without the permission of WCLA.

They lamented that WCLA was allowing construction of only those properties that were owned by influential people, capable of bribing them. They said given the condition of houses in the Walled City and with such an inconsiderate law, lives of innocent citizens were at stake. They urged the government and concerned departments to resolve the serious issue before its too late.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives. He sought a report from the local administration and directed them to provide best treatment facilities to
the injured.

Separately, a 40-year-old man was shot dead by his rival in Shahdra Town.

The deceased has been identified as Eid Muhammad, resident of Majeed Park, Shahdra Town. Police said that the accused, identified as Bohla, belonged to the same area, adding that an old enmity over some issue resulted in this tragic incident. On the day of incident, Eid Muhammad and Bhola exchanged harsh word. Situiation got the better of Bhola, who got infuriated and fired at Eid Muhammad before escaping the crime scene. The injured was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to injuries. The body was sent
to morgue.

Moreover, a 35-year-old man was killed by a speedy Mazda van in Factory Area. The deceased has been identified as Hassan. Police said that the victim was crossing Walton Road when a rashly driven Mazda van hit him and fled the scene. The injured was taken to a local hospital where he yielded to his injury.