At least 16 were killed after a factory collapsed in an industrial park in eastern Pakistan on Wednesday evening. Over 200 people worked in the factory all of whom are trapped under the rubble.
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He said the entire structure came down when its pillars crashed. The Chief Minister directed that best treatment facilities should be provided to the injured and additional doctors and medical staff should be immediately called.
A few children, as young as 10, are said to be among the victims.
He also inspected the relief and rescue operation and praised the efforts of the rescuers and jawans of the army and the police.
“They are safe and well”, an official said late yesterday night. DCO Lahore Capt (retd) Usman said that the actual number of casualties will be ascertained once the rescue operation is completed.
The names of other deceased and injured persons could not be known so far. While it’s unclear what caused the collapse, construction work has been going on at the building, reported Reuters.
Several labourers told news channels that the building had developed cracks during the quake, but the factory’s owner pressed ahead with construction of a fourth storey.
Another employee, 18-year-old Mohammad Irfan, told AFP from his hospital bed that the workers were “mostly” were aged between 14 and 25. It is believed that about 100 people are still trapped in the fallen building.
An eyewitness told The Nation that he saw only four to five men running out of the building as it caved in with a bang.
Meanwhile, 150 people had been in the factory during the accident and rescuing units could barely perform their duties.
Talking to media persons, he said Rs 5 lakh each would be given to the heirs of the dead.
He added that an emergency has been declared at all local hospitals.
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Heavy machinery from a nearby Bahria Town building operation additionally reached the site of the event to assist with the aid and rescue operations. Cylinders for oxygen have also been provided to those trapped under the wreckage.
