Muzaffargarh Canal closed to facilitate search for three kids

LAHORE – The irrigation department, acting on instructions from Kot Addu district administration, has put the Muzaffargarh Canal on hold to aid the search for three children believed to have drowned after a loader rickshaw carrying them and others fell into the water five days ago. A total of 15 individuals, including children and women, lost their lives in the devastating incident.

Over the course of five days, Rescue 1122 teams, along with the district administration and local community, have retrieved 12 bodies from the canal and delivered them to the families of the deceased. The whereabouts of the missing children – Shakir, Munib, and Yasir – remain unknown.

Kot Addu Deputy Commissioner Barrister Bilal Saleem has been spearheading the search effort for the past five days. In the wake of the tragedy, the DC has urged residents to observe Independence Day in the district with humility. Saleem emphasized that the search operation will continue until the three children are recovered and instructed teams to broaden their search to encompass fields and minor tributaries connected to the main canal.

The families of the missing children expressed their gratitude to the district administration, Rescue 1122, and locals for their assistance during the search. A press conference revealed that a significant team of 89 rescuers, comprising 45 swimmers, nine boats, eight ambulances, four patrolling bikes, and 40 officials from the irrigation department, is actively participating in the operation.