Karachi records 24 deaths in open manhole this year

As many as 24 citizens, including five children, have lost their lives this year after falling into open drains and manholes, yet the relevant authorities have failed to establish a system that could protect residents from such sudden deaths.

The city’s dilapidated infrastructure affects travel, business, and other aspects of daily life on a daily basis, which people endure with silent patience.

However, when an adult or a child falls into an open drain or manhole and dies, it sparks widespread grief and anger.

According to statistics, from January to date, 24 citizens—including five children—have died after falling into open drains and manholes in Karachi.

Among those killed by falling into open manholes were a 23-year-old motorcyclist from Sirjani Town, 45-year-old Abbas Naqvi near Gurumandir Chowrangi, 15-year-old Abu Bakr from Sultanabad, 50-year-old Iqbal Masih near Landhi Murtaza Chowrangi, three laborers in Ghaus Mandi, 5-year-old Ali near Jamshed Road petrol pump, 3-year-old Abdul Rehman in Baldia Mowach Goth, 3-year-old Asadullah in Sirjani Hasan Brohi Goth, and a 4-year-old child in Shah Faisal No. 2.

This year, 13 citizens have died in open drains, including a 55-year-old near Mari Port Dua Hotel, a 35-year-old in Ghaus Mandi, two individuals near Super Highway Quetta Bus Adda, 38-year-old Altaf near Mari Port Nala Stop, a 40-year-old near Banaras Abbasi Hotel, young men Tufail and Ghafar near North Nazimabad Lundi Kotal Chowrangi, 28-year-old Rizwan near Korangi Sector 51C Cemetery, a 59-year-old near Malir Kala Board, a 55-year-old near NEPA Chowrangi, 4-year-old Ibrahim near NEPA Chowrangi Chess App, and a 30-year-old near Korangi 2½.

The ongoing negligence highlights the urgent need for the city authorities to implement safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents.