Karachi:
Most of the victims of the Friday building collapse in the Lyari Baghdadi region belong to the Hindu community of Kutthi Maheshwari Meghwar, the Express PK Press Club learned. At least 16 members of the community died during the tragic collapse of the five -story abandoned building, while others are still feared under the rubble.
According to rescuers and community leaders, more than 20 MEGHWAR families lived in the building when he crashed early Friday morning. On Saturday evening, the bodies of 16 people, including Rohit, 25 and his wife Geeta, had been recovered. The rescue efforts are underway, with at least four other people who were missing.
The latest rites for the victims will be held at Kutchi Hall in the old Kumharwara, while burial will take place in the Hindu cemetery near Mowach Goth. Unlike the generalized Hindu tradition, the Meghwar community does not practice cremation; Instead, they bury their dead.
The tragedy plunged the community united in mourning. Most victims belong to the same extended family. Their bodies were placed in cold storage at the Edhi Maternity Home bilquis on Moosa Lane, while mourning relatives gathered at the Muslim near Kutchi Jamaat Khana.
The spokesperson for the Reema Maheshwari community confirmed that the burials would take place on Sunday. “It is a heartbreaking loss. Whole families have been destroyed,” she told The Express PK Press Club. “We urge the authorities to support us during this difficult period.”
The deceased was identified as Dayalal Shivji, Prabai Kishan Sondha, Prantik Harsi Sondha, Prem Kishan Sondha, Vandana Kalash, Archana Vishal, Kishan Dayalal, Ayush Jamna Das, Shani Jamna Vanjora, Kalash Jamna Vanjora, Usha Kaillash, Prakash and Geeta.
Lakshman Moraj Bagra, president of Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat, described the incident as “a disaster beyond words”. “Families who were once dynamic and full of life have now been buried under concrete,” he said, calling on the government to ensure appropriate rehabilitation of affected families.
Bagra also confirmed that two women injured during the collapse are under treatment in the hospital. He added that while some residents had managed to escape when signs of structural instability appeared, others who returned to collect personal effects were taken in the collapse.
Maharaj Ram Nath, the pontiff chief of the Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, expressed his pain about tragedy and prolonged solidarity with bereaved families. “This tragedy has shaken up our whole community. The government must ensure that survivors receive alternative shelter and long-term support,” he said while speaking to L’Express PK Press Club.
Rescue operations are underway in the middle of fears that more bodies can still be trapped under the debris. An official survey on the cause of the collapse of the building has not yet been announced.
