RAWALPINDI: The body of a 7-year-old boy who had fallen into a sewage drain in Rawalpindi has been recovered after three days of continuous search and rescue operations, officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to rescue sources, the child had slipped and fallen into the drain while bathing with friends after rainfall. The incident triggered an extensive search operation that continued for three consecutive days.

Rescue teams, supported by heavy machinery, finally managed to retrieve the boy’s body from the drain, bringing a tragic end to the search efforts.

Details of the Incident

Officials said the child, identified as 7-year-old Wasal, fell into the sewage drain near the IJP Road Kacha Stop area while playing and bathing with other children after heavy rain.

Eyewitness accounts and initial reports suggest that the boy lost his balance and slipped into the open drain, after which nearby children attempted to follow but were unable to rescue him.

Search Operation

Rescue teams launched an immediate search operation following the incident. However, due to strong water flow and challenging conditions inside the drain, recovery efforts took several days to complete.

Authorities used heavy machinery and drainage clearing equipment to assist in locating and retrieving the body.

CCTV Footage Surfaces

CCTV footage of the incident also emerged, showing the child falling into the drain and other children running after him in an attempt to help. The footage further highlighted the absence of safety barriers or fencing around the drain at the location.

Safety Concerns Raised

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding urban safety infrastructure, particularly the lack of protective barriers around open sewage drains in residential and semi-urban areas.

Residents have expressed anger and grief, questioning why such hazardous open drains remain unprotected despite repeated incidents in similar locations.

Safety experts emphasize that open drains, especially in densely populated areas, pose significant risks to children, particularly during the monsoon season when water levels rise and currents become stronger.

Official Response Expected

Local authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the absence of safety fencing and possible negligence in maintaining public safety infrastructure.

Further action may be taken after completion of the investigation into the tragic accident.

Community in Mourning

The recovery of the child’s body has plunged the local community into grief. Residents and family members are mourning the loss and calling for urgent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The incident adds to a growing list of rain-related urban accidents, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and better management of drainage systems in populated areas.

Officials say further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.