Public outrage continues to intensify in Karachi following the tragic death of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an uncovered manhole near a departmental store in Nipa.
In a preliminary investigation report submitted to the local government secretary, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has held both the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project authorities and the superstore administration responsible for the fatal incident.
According to KMC, the ongoing BRT construction in the area has caused extensive damage to the drainage system running from Nipa to Aziz Bhatti Park, disrupting infrastructure and creating hazardous conditions for the public.
The report states that temporary 2×2 feet covers had been placed over drainage pits at multiple locations as part of the construction process — a non-standard practice that KMC claims it never implemented. One of these temporary covers was reportedly left open, creating the fatal gap into which the child fell.
The corporation highlighted that the BRT management carried out excavations and paving without securing formal clearance or issuing notifications to KMC, further contributing to unsafe conditions. It also held the superstore responsible for not ensuring the safety of the area around its premises.
The incident unfolded on Sunday as Ibrahim exited the store with his family. Residents immediately attempted to seek help from authorities, but no official response arrived in time.
With no choice, locals arranged a crane using their own funds and began digging efforts. Volunteers from Edhi and Chhipa also joined the rescue attempt but lacked the technical capability needed to navigate the drainage system effectively.
Authorities only arrived the following morning, nearly 12 hours after the fall, and formal recovery operations began around 10am. Ibrahim’s body was eventually retrieved 14 hours after the incident, found approximately 1.5 kilometres downstream.
The tragedy has sparked widespread public condemnation, with citizens and opposition lawmakers criticizing systemic negligence and demanding accountability from all responsible parties.
