SUKKUR: At least ten people, including two minor girls and six women, were killed when the roof of a warehouse collapsed at a local market in Rohri on Wednesday
The incident occurred at Agha Qadirdad Agricultural Market where over 80 labourers were present at the warehouse, eyewitnesses said. Four of the deceased belong to the same family, they added.
Edhi and other rescue organisations were assisted by the security forces in carrying out rescue efforts. while the death toll is expected to rise as a large number of labourers are still trapped under the rubble.
According to initial reports, a large number of date sacks were being stored on the roof off the warehouse when a blast occurred in a furnace placed below.
Sukkur Deputy Commissioner Raheem Bux Maitlo visited the site of the incident and said investigations would be carried out and a case of criminal negligence would be filed against those found responsible.
“The tragedy occurred due to excessive weight on the roof, as well as the presence of chemicals and a boiler in the room,” he added.
Maitlo further said that the warehouse where the incident occurred had been sealed a while back, adding that “investigations will be carried out regarding its opening and reuse”.
Meanwhile, Sukkur Commissioner Mohammad Usman Chachar said that steps would be taken to safeguard against such incidents from taking place in the future.
The commissioner said that monetary compensation would be provided to the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has sought a preliminary report from Sukkur commissioner on the incident
Sindh Minister for Labour and Information Nasir Hussain Shah expressed his deep sense of grief and sorrow over tragic incident.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also offered condolences over loss of precious lives and said that local authorities should provide better treatment to the injured.
Published in Daily Times, March 29th 2018.