LAHORE:Two schoolgirls among five lost their lives while four others seriously injured when a dumper overturned at the Akhri Mint Stop in the Baghbanpura police area on Wednesday.
Rescue 1122 confirmed that they pulled out four others alive from beneath the wreckage and rushed them to hospital in critical condition. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the incident took place when the dumper lost control and overturned onto two rickshaws and a motorcycle. The impact was so severe that several individuals were trapped under the heavy vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation. The injured were pulled out from beneath the dumper and shifted to hospital for treatment. Officials said that two schoolgirls among five died on the spot. The Rescue team added that the dumper was removed from the scene, and a search operation was concluded to ensure no one remains trapped under the wreckage.
Rescue sources later confirmed that among those who lost their lives were Hafiza, 10, and Aima, 12. A 24-year-old man also died in the incident. Two of the deceased were identified as Dawood and Rafaqat, according to rescue officials.
Meanwhile, IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the CCPO Lahore. The IG directed DIG Operations Lahore to identify those responsible for the accident and ensure strict legal action is taken against them. He also ordered the immediate arrest of the dumper driver whose negligence allegedly led to the loss of five lives, emphasising that no one responsible would be spared.
907 drug dealers arrested
As part of the ‘Drug-Free Punjab’ campaign, Punjab police carried out 1,447 intelligence-based raids on drug dealers’ hideouts across Lahore and other districts during the past week.According to the official spokesperson, 907 suspects involved in drug trafficking were arrested and cases were registered against them.
Authorities seized a significant amount of narcotics, including 373kg cannabis, 30kg crystal meth (ice), 34kg heroin and 9,695 litre liquor.IGP Dr Usman Anwar ordered the continuation of special operations targeting drug dealers and smugglers.
He emphasised the need to dismantle the entire drug supply chain and ensure the arrest of those involved in online drug transactions.He directed that intelligence-based operations be intensified around educational institutions and hostels to prevent drug circulation among youth.