Tragic Incident in Faisalabad: Four NLC Workers Lose Lives to Toxic Gas
In a devastating incident in the FIEDMC area of Faisalabad, four employees of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) lost their lives due to suffocation caused by toxic gas while cleaning a sewer line. The tragedy occurred near the gate of the Allama Iqbal Industrial Estate, managed by the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC).
According to police and Rescue 1122 officials, the workers were engaged in cleaning an approximately 18-foot-deep sewer manhole. Two workers, identified as Rafat Ullah Khan and Kifayat Ullah Khan, both residents of Lakki Marwat, entered the sewer line to carry out cleaning operations. Toxic gases accumulated inside the confined space, causing one of them to lose consciousness. Hearing cries for help, two other NLC workers—contractor Hasan Khan and driver Dilawar Khan, also from Lakki Marwat—descended into the manhole to rescue their colleagues. However, due to the depth of the sewer line and the presence of poisonous gases, all four men became trapped and suffocated before they could be brought to safety.
Upon receiving information about the incident, Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the spot along with the Station House Officer (SHO) of FIEDMC police station and other police personnel. Rescue workers launched an operation and retrieved the bodies from the sewer line after strenuous efforts. The bodies were shifted to the mortuary under police supervision for completion of legal and medico-legal formalities.
Police officials stated that evidence was collected from the site, and proceedings under relevant legal provisions have been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by workers in hazardous conditions and underscores the need for stringent safety measures.
