1 dead, over 14 injured during stampede at TikToker's mehndi ceremony in Sialkot

A stampede occurred during a mehndi ceremony and prize-distribution event for TikTok influencer Muhammad Ansar Jatt, also known as "Mr Patlu," in Sialkot. The tragic event, which happened last night at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, resulted in the death of one individual and over 14 others sustaining injuries. The ceremony was set to take place on Saturday night, and hundreds of followers from various cities in Punjab had gathered outside the ground prior to the event's start time.

As the stadium gates were opened, a stampede ensued, causing panic among the attendees. Many fell to the ground, while those caught in the chaos or trampled upon could be heard screaming and crying out in distress. Attendees immediately began moving the injured to nearby clinics and private hospitals on their own, while rescue teams arrived at the scene upon receiving reports.

Upon the arrival of police and Rescue 1122 personnel, a joint rescue operation was initiated, and the injured were transported to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital. Most of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while 14 individuals, aged between 22 and 51 years, required further medical care. Tragically, 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital.

The Sialkot District Emergency Officer, Engineer Naveed Iqbal, revealed that the rescue service had not been informed about the large gathering beforehand. He mentioned that four ambulances and one motorcycle ambulance were involved in the rescue operation. Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Dost Muhammad, along with a large police contingent and the Elite Force, reached the site and took charge of security arrangements, ensuring that rescue operations proceeded smoothly.

DPO Muhammad criticized the event organizers for opening the stadium gates ahead of schedule, stressing that the responsibility for such events fell under the district administration. He emphasized the police's top priority of protecting lives and property, promising a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action following the incident.