Eight people were electrocuted and more than a dozen injured when a 30-foot-tall religious flag (alam) fell on 11KV electricity transmission wires in village Baddo, Dakhan area of Shikarpur district, on Sunday. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shikarpur Muhammad Kaleem Malik confirmed the death toll.
Details of the Incident
The flag, associated with Ghazi Abbas (RA), was being raised at Imambargah Noor Hussain Shah using ropes when it slipped from participants' hands and struck the power line, causing a massive electric shock. The deceased were identified as Deen Muhammad Lolai, Shafiq Lolai, Khalid Lolai, Arbab Lolai, Hidayatullah Lolai, Zahid Lolai, Abdul Waheed Lolai, and Muhammad Hassan Solangi. All were declared dead on arrival at the local government hospital.
Injuries and Response
Around 15 others suffered burns and injuries. Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Abro said he would write to the Sindh government seeking monetary compensation for the families of the deceased. Riaz Lolai, brother of one of the victims, said the injured were transported to hospital in commercial cabs due to the unavailability of ambulances.
Funeral and Aftermath
On Monday, a collective Namaz-e-Janaza for all eight deceased was held in the village, attended by the SSP, DC, District Council Chairman Zulfiqar Khan Kamario, and other notables. Residents raised the alam again during the day.
