A young child fell into an open manhole in Rahmat Chowk, Karachi, in an incident captured on CCTV, sparking panic among local residents.
The manhole is located directly outside the office of a local UC chairman affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Fortunately, the child was pulled out safely within moments, averting what could have been a serious tragedy.
CCTV footage shows the child playing when he suddenly falls into the uncovered manhole. Despite the shock, he immediately cried out for help. Another child nearby reacted swiftly and assisted in pulling him out. Hearing the commotion, residents rushed to the scene and expressed relief that the child had survived unharmed.
Local residents said the hazardous manhole is situated directly in front of the UC chairman’s office. They added that from Rahmat Chowk to Aligarh, open drains and uncovered manholes remain in a dangerous state, posing a constant risk of major accidents.
Residents complained that multiple requests for repairs have been submitted over the past 18 months, but no practical steps have been taken by the authorities.
They claimed that when approached, the UC chairman states that the complaints have been forwarded to the Mayor of Karachi.
Locals have urged the Mayor and other senior officials to take immediate notice of the dangerous open manhole and administrative negligence, and to ensure urgent repairs to prevent any loss of life in the future.
