Toddler’s Body Recovered After Falling Into Open Manhole Near Nipa Flyover, Karachi
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The body of three-year-old Ibrahim was recovered on Monday after a 15-hour search by Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) rescue teams. The child had fallen into an uncovered manhole near Nipa Chowrangi, close to Chase Up Center, late Sunday night.
Ibrahim’s body was found almost half a kilometre downstream near Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, carried through multiple sewage channels before rescue teams were able to reach it.
How the Incident Happened
The manhole, about two by two feet in size, had no cover or protective barrier.
Ibrahim slipped into it around 11 pm as he walked a few steps ahead of his father while the family was shopping at the departmental store.
The child, their only son, went missing within seconds. His family, who live in Shah Faisal Colony, immediately raised alarm and began searching the area.
Family and Locals Faced Delays in Rescue
According to the family and volunteers:
- Rescue work was delayed due to lack of machinery and sewerage maps
- Residents continued the search through the night
- The family even paid Rs 15,000 for private excavation when no authority intervened
Ibrahim’s grandfather, Mehmoodul Hasan, received the body. His mother fainted after hearing the news.
It was later discovered that the manhole was connected to a 36-inch main drainage line of Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The child’s body travelled through three sewage channels before being located.
Heavy machinery from the BRT project was only available 16 hours after the fall.
Protest Erupts at Nipa Chowrangi
The tragedy triggered public anger. Residents blocked roads, burned tyres, and stopped traffic towards Hassan Square. Some protesters damaged media vans. Police diverted vehicles to nearby routes to manage the situation.
Officials Respond
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed condolences and said CCTV footage from the store was being collected. He confirmed the manhole had no cover and said the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) would investigate.
Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said an inquiry had been ordered to identify the negligence behind the missing manhole cover.
Political leaders from MQM and Jamaat-e-Islami criticised the city administration and the Water Board, stating that uncovered drains continue to put residents—especially children—at risk.
Residents also criticised the Chase Up management, arguing that a store earning millions should not have an open gutter at its entrance.
