Child Falls Into Drain Without Protective Wall
A father lost his life after jumping into the fast-flowing Nullah Lai to rescue his young son in Rawalpindi’s Gulistan Colony.
The incident occurred at approximately 10am on Saturday in Lane No. 3. Rescue officials said the child accidentally fell into the drain from an area that reportedly had no protective wall.
The boy was identified as Zahid. Initial reports gave his age as between six and seven years.
Local residents immediately raised an alarm after seeing the child fall into the water. His father, Mehrban, rushed to the location after learning about the incident.
The strong current created dangerous conditions and carried the child away before residents could reach him.
Father Jumps Into Water in Desperate Rescue Attempt
Eyewitnesses said Mehrban saw a piece of cloth floating in the drain and believed it belonged to his missing son.
Without waiting for rescue equipment, he jumped into the water in a desperate attempt to save the child.
However, the powerful current overwhelmed him. Both father and son were swept away and disappeared from view.
Mehrban was reported to be approximately 36 years old. Rescue officials said the strong flow of water made the search operation extremely difficult.
The incident left local residents shocked as emergency teams began searching the drain with specialised equipment and trained divers.
Father’s Body Recovered as Search for Son Continues
Rescue 1122 teams recovered Mehrban’s body from Nullah Lai following an extensive operation.
His body was removed from the water and handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal procedures.
Rescuers continued searching for Zahid for several hours. Expert divers inspected different sections of the drain while ambulances and emergency personnel remained at the location.
Officials said the fast current was creating serious difficulties for the rescue teams. The search area was gradually expanded as rescuers attempted to determine how far the child may have been carried.
The tragedy has also raised concerns about the absence of protective barriers near open drains in residential communities.
Residents said a secure wall or railing could have prevented the child from falling into the water. They urged the authorities to install safety barriers along vulnerable sections of Nullah Lai.
The incident serves as another warning about the dangers posed by overflowing drains and strong water currents during periods of heavy rainfall.
Authorities have repeatedly advised residents to keep children away from drains, rivers and flooded areas. Even shallow-looking water can carry enough force to sweep away adults and children within seconds.
