Karachi: A 17-year-old teenager lost his life while attempting to rescue a young child who fell into an open storm drain near Sohrab Goth, as rescue teams continue searching for the missing boy.
The incident occurred near Noor-e-Islam Mosque in the Machhar Colony area, within the jurisdiction of Sohrab Goth Police Station. According to police, a four-year-old boy was playing outside and riding his bicycle when he accidentally fell, along with the bicycle, into the open drain.
Witnessing the incident, a passer-by immediately jumped into the drain in an attempt to save the child. However, the strong flow of water swept him away, and he also drowned.
The deceased rescuer was identified as 17-year-old Gulab, son of Manzoor. His body was recovered from the drain and shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for legal formalities.
The missing child was identified as four-year-old Shavez, son of Javed. Rescue personnel are continuing a search operation to locate him.
Station House Officer (SHO) Gul Baig Panjhro of Sohrab Goth Police Station said the child had been riding his bicycle when he suddenly fell into the uncovered drain. He said the teenager acted selflessly by jumping into the water in an effort to save the boy but was unable to survive.
According to a spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh, the Central Command and Control Centre received information about the incident and immediately dispatched a water rescue vehicle, divers, and ambulance teams to the scene.
During the rescue operation, divers recovered the body of the teenager who had entered the drain to save the child. However, the search for the missing four-year-old remained ongoing at the time of reporting.
Rescue officials said teams were continuing operations despite challenging conditions inside the drainage channel. Authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency workers to conduct the search safely and efficiently.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by uncovered drains in Karachi, particularly during the monsoon season when water levels rise and drainage channels become more hazardous. Open drains have been the site of several fatal accidents in recent years, prompting repeated calls for improved public safety measures and protective barriers.
Local authorities have not yet announced whether an inquiry will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, rescue teams remain on site as efforts continue to locate the missing child.
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