A child narrowly escaped death after falling into an open manhole in Orangi Town, Karachi, on Saturday. The incident highlights ongoing negligence by local authorities in the area.
The accident occurred near Rehmat Chowk, right outside the office of UC 7 Chairman Syed Imran Shah of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Local residents said the open manhole has remained uncovered for more than a year and a half. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken to secure it.
Witnesses reported that the child fell into a broken section of the nullah but managed to climb out with help from a friend. The commotion drew the attention of nearby residents, who rushed to ensure the child’s safety. Community members warned that the nullah runs along a street corner, and its damaged section is a serious accident risk.
This is not an isolated case in Karachi. On December 29, 2025, an eight-year-old boy tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Korangi’s Mehran Town, Sector 6-G. The child, identified as Dilbar Ali, was playing in the street when he accidentally fell into the manhole filled with wastewater. Rescue teams responded quickly, but the boy could not be saved.
Authorities have acknowledged that such accidents are part of a worrying trend in the city. Last year alone, 14 children died after falling into open manholes, while 13 others lost their lives due to uncovered drains. The total death toll from such incidents reached 27, revealing serious administrative and safety failures in Karachi.
Residents are urging local authorities to take immediate action to cover dangerous nullahs and manholes. They stress that proper maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent further accidents.
The recent incident in Orangi Town serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by neglected infrastructure. Authorities face mounting pressure to ensure that streets and drains are safe for children and the wider community.
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