At least eight mourners were killed and five others injured after an Alam (flag) came into contact with a high-voltage electricity transmission line during a Muharram procession in Budo Goth village of Sindh’s Shikarpur district.
According to rescue officials, the incident occurred when participants attempted to raise the Alam during the procession and it touched an 11,000-volt overhead power line, resulting in a powerful electric shock.
Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the victims to nearby hospitals. The injured were provided initial medical treatment before being referred to hospitals in Shikarpur, Sukkur and Larkana for advanced care.
Officials said several of the injured were in critical condition.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were later offered in the village and attended by district officials, including District Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Khan Kamario, SSP Kaleem Malik and Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro. Religious scholars, leaders of various religious organisations and a large number of mourners also attended the funerals.
The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the village and surrounding areas, while authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident.
Divisional Commissioner Sukkur Abid Saleem Qureshi on Monday has issued comprehensive safety directives to protect public life and property during the installation of Alam Pak, Tazias and other religious symbols, as well as during Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH processions.
In a notification, the Commissioner said every year during Muharram, untoward incidents and loss of life occur when Alams and metal poles come into contact with overhead electricity wires. Similar incidents have been reported this year as well, prompting immediate action from all concerned departments.
According to the directive, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of Sukkur, Khairpur and Ghotki districts shall ensure that Alam Pak, banners, Tazias and other metal structures are not carried under or near electricity wires. Prior clearance from SEPCO and the district administration will be mandatory before processions pass through any location.
The Divisional Commissioner also ordered identification of transformers, electrical installations and other hazardous points along procession routes and completion of immediate safety measures. He made it clear that no person will be allowed to travel on rooftops of trains, buses, trucks, tractors or other vehicles, or to install or carry sacred Alams while in transit.
Officials have been directed to immediately convey these safety instructions to permit holders, procession organizers, religious scholars and community leaders. Announcements will be made through mosques, Imam Bargahs, social media, SMS services and local cable networks.
The Chief Executive Officer of SEPCO Sukkur has been tasked with conducting an immediate survey of streets, procession routes and Imam Bargahs in the three districts. Low-hanging, loose or dangerous electricity wires must be identified and promptly raised, secured and corrected to prevent any incident.
Terming the matter “Most Urgent”, Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi stressed that protection of human life is the primary responsibility of the state and no negligence will be tolerated. He has sought a compliance report on safety measures and the awareness campaign from Deputy Commissioners, police officers and SEPCO officials at the earliest.