LAHORE, Mar 16: At least eight women were killed and over 30 others injured after the roof of a government building collapsed on Monday in the Punjab province of Pakistan, an official said.
The incident took place in Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) district, some 400 km from Lahore.
“A good number of women seeking financial assistance under the government-funded Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had gathered at a BISP women centre’s rooftop hall at Tiba Mithiar Chak (village) 123 when it caved in,” RYK Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar told reporters.
He said Rescue 1122 officials reached the site and rescued those trapped under the rubble.
“Some 40 injured women were shifted to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital RYK, where doctors pronounced eight of them dead. The death toll may rise as the condition of some injured women is stated to be critical,” the deputy commissioner said and added, apparently, it seems the single-storey structure was shabby and collapsed when a good number of women gathered at its rooftop.
He said the women had come to the BISP centre to collect the amount under the programme.
After the incident, local residents protested against the government for opening the BISP centre in a rundown structure. They demanded that the government compensate the dead and injured victims.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her grief over the tragic incident and directed the health authorities to provide the best facilities to the injured. She, however, did not announce any monetary compensation to the victims. (PTI)
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