Three Park Officials Arrested Over Alleged Negligence
The Lahore district administration has sealed a private water park in Batapur after a nine-year-old girl died inside a swimming pool drainage pipe.
The incident occurred at Sozo Water Park on Monday. Authorities suspended all activities at the facility immediately after the child’s death.
Batapur police registered a criminal case and arrested three senior park officials. The suspects include the park manager, security head and CCTV supervisor.
The case was registered under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother. The law covers deaths caused without deliberate intent.
Police said the investigation would determine whether the suspects ignored safety procedures and failed to protect visitors.
Powerful Pump Allegedly Pulled Child Into Pipe
Initial reports suggest that park employees started draining the swimming pool while children were still inside the water.
A high-capacity drainage pump allegedly created powerful suction inside the pool. The nine-year-old girl was pulled toward an uncovered drainage pipe and became trapped.
Police said no protective safety net had been installed over the pipe. Such a barrier could have prevented swimmers from reaching the dangerous opening.
Rescue teams searched for the child for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. She was eventually found trapped inside the drainage system.
Emergency workers attempted to save her, but she could not be revived.
The child had recently returned from Dubai with her family. She was reportedly her parents’ only daughter.
Her mother alleged that the park administration’s negligence caused the death. She demanded strict legal action against all responsible officials.
Investigation Focuses on Safety Failures
Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations Faisal Kamran has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.
Investigators are examining why the pool was being drained before all children had been evacuated. They are also reviewing whether mandatory safety measures were ignored.
Police are expected to examine CCTV footage, staff statements and the condition of the drainage equipment.
The investigation will also determine who authorised the drainage process and whether trained lifeguards were present near the pool.
The district administration confirmed that the water park was sealed on the day of the incident. Legal proceedings were also launched against the management.
Officials said responsibility would be fixed after the investigation. Strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in the safety failures that led to the child’s death.
