At least eight women were killed and 75 people injured when the roof of a shop collapsed during the distribution of government welfare payments in eastern Pakistan, rescue officials said.
The incident occurred on Manthar Road in the Chak 123-P area of Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province, according to Rescue 1122.
Rescue officials said the roof of a shop suddenly caved in, trapping multiple people under the debris. More than 200 people had gathered on the first floor to collect payments under the Benazir Income Support Program, a federal cash assistance scheme for low-income families, according to the district administration.
Rescue teams reached the site immediately after receiving information about the collapse, officials said. Rescue workers pulled the injured from the rubble and provided first aid on site before shifting them to hospital.
All 75 injured were transported to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rescue 1122 said. Of the injured, 74 were women and one was a man.
Rescue 1122 said six bodies of deceased women were shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital. The body of a seventh victim, identified as Parveen Bibi, was handed over to her family and taken to her home at the insistence of relatives. An eighth woman also died in the incident, according to rescue officials.
According to Rescue 1122, 38 of the injured were transported in Rescue 1122 ambulances, while 37 were shifted in private ambulances.
Earlier, the district administration said the roof, reportedly constructed with substandard materials, could not bear the weight of the crowd and collapsed.
An eyewitness had said the women were waiting since morning to receive payments and alleged that the retailer had asked them to remain on the first floor. The witness also claimed a stampede occurred after the roof gave way.
Authorities said a detailed report is being prepared by the district administration and Rescue 1122.
Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa and District Police Officer Irfan Ali Sammo visited the site and monitored rescue operations. They also visited the injured at the hospital.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He directed Senator Rubina Khalid to visit immediately, extended condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the injured.
The Benazir Income Support Program provides financial assistance to vulnerable households across Pakistan.
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