Red Line structure collapses

What was meant to be a link in the city's long-delayed Red Line network came crashing down on Thursday when an under-construction bridge structure collapsed near Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque on University Road, killing a security guard deployed at the site. The heavy concrete and steel structure gave way in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, burying the guard beneath the rubble and triggering a frantic rescue operation involving Rescue 1122, Edhi, Chhipa, police, Rangers and other emergency services. Rescuers eventually pulled the man's body from beneath the debris and shifted it to JPMC, while initial fears that other workers could also be trapped prompted a technical search of the rubble. No evidence of anyone else being trapped was found, according to Rescue 1122. The identity of the deceased guard could not immediately be ascertained, while Aziz Bhatti police were working to identify him with the help of a search device. Rescue 1122 officials said there were initial fears that more workers could be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. However, the debris was subsequently examined using technical equipment and no evidence of more people being trapped was found. The incident triggered criticism from political parties. The MQM-P spokesperson criticised the provincial government, alleging that corruption, poor-quality construction and negligence had contributed to the collapse. The spokesperson referred to the recent inauguration of a portion of the project, alleging that it had been presented with considerable fanfare despite the project still being under construction. He questioned the quality of materials used in the development work and said the collapse of a heavy concrete and steel structure could have caused a much larger loss of life had more people been present on the road.