8 women die, 65 injured in roof collapse during BISP money distribution

As many as eight women died and more than 65 injured when the roof of a shop collapsed during distribution of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments in Rahim Yar Khan district on Monday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Rescue 1122 and police personnel rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to hospital.

The district administration issued an alert for urgent treatment of the injured women at the Shaikh Zayed Hospital.

According to authorities, there was quite a rush at the BISC centre and suddenly the roof came down with a bang.

The poor women lined up since morning to get hold of some money before Eidul Fitr at the weekend.More than 200 women were present at the site — a local shop in Chak 123-P Tibba locality of the district. Survivors said the tragedy happened after the shop owner directed the women to come to the roof for payments.

 Meanwhile, BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid has expressed deep sorrow and regret over Rahim Yar Khan incident. 

On the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari, Senator Rubina Khalid immediately left for Rahim Yar Khan to visit the site to assess the situation and meet the affected families. 

Rubina Khalid  said that a notice has been issued to the relevant partner bank for possible negligence and a heavy fine is also being imposed on the partner bank.

Senator Rubina said financial assistance of Rs1 million will be given to the families of the deceased women while each injured will given financial assistance of Rs. 3 lakh. 

Reporter Asim Sadiqe

Reporter Asim Siddiq