KARACHI: Three final-year students of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) drowned during a picnic at Manora on Wednesday, while three others were shifted to a medical facility for treatment, the university said.
According to the statement, a batch of 150 students was on a picnic at Hawkesbay beach, while 15 students from the same batch had planned a separate outing at Manora. The trip forms part of a long-standing tradition where final-year students celebrate a week of leisure before graduation.
“It has been reported that the venue, a hut, was booked by the father of one of the students, where the group went to enjoy their outing,” the statement said. The administration had arranged for the 150 students at Hawkesbay with security guards and all necessary safety measures.
The university clarified that the principal and college administration were not informed about the separate Manora picnic organised by the 15 students. While the students at Hawkesbay returned safely, a tragic incident occurred at Manora. “In the afternoon, a powerful wave swept one student into the sea; as others rushed to rescue him, the mishap occurred,” the statement added. The bodies have been moved to the mortuary of Karachi’s Civil Hospital.
Three students who survived were shifted to a medical facility, and the university administration has issued special instructions to ensure they receive the best possible care.
DIG South Syed Asad Raza stated that five students were swept by the waves, two were rescued, and none are reported missing.
The incident comes days after another drowning at Hub Canal, where a man lost his life while saving his two minor sons.
