Eight killed as Alam touches high-voltage line during mourning ceremony in Shikarpur

SUKKUR: Eight mourners were killed and more than 15 others suffered critical injuries after an Alam being raised during a mourning ceremony came into contact with a high-tension power line in Shikarpur district on Sunday, police said.

The incident occurred in Bodo Walisabad village near Dakkhan town during a ceremony held as part of the 10-day mourning observed for the martyrs of Karbala. Hundreds of people had gathered for the Alam-hoisting event when the accident took place, causing panic and a stampede as people tried to move away from the area.

According to eyewitnesses, screams erupted moments after the large Alam was lifted, when its upper end touched the transmission line and those holding it received electric shocks. Several others in the crowd were also affected. Area police said the Alam had lost balance and tilted onto an 11,000-volt wire. They said eight people died while over 15 others sustained severe shocks and burn injuries.

Rescue-1122 personnel, police and local residents took part in relief efforts after the Alam was separated from the live wire. The injured and the deceased were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials said a number of the wounded were in serious condition and were referred to larger hospitals in Shikarpur, Larkana and Sukkur for further treatment.

The deceased were identified as Hidayatullah son of Zahoor Ahmed, Abdul Waheed son of Mohammad Saiful, Mohammad Khalid son of Hajan, Mohammad Zahid son of Bhutto, Shafiq Ahmed son of Mohammad Rafiq, Din Mohammad son of Zaheer Ahmed, Arbab son of Ehsan, and Mohammad Hassan son of Gada Hussain. All belonged to the Lolai community.

The incident left the village and adjoining areas in mourning. Authorities have begun an investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Home minister seeks report

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed sorrow over the deaths and injuries in the incident. In a statement, he offered condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured a swift recovery.

Lanjar directed the relevant authorities to ensure immediate and the best possible medical care for all those hurt in the incident. He also instructed senior police officers to personally oversee support for the injured and extend all possible assistance to them and their families.

He asked the Shikarpur district administration, police and health authorities to work in close coordination on rescue and relief measures. The home minister also sought a comprehensive report on the incident without delay.

He further called for stronger safety arrangements for Muharram processions, gatherings and Alam installation sites across Sindh, and urged organisers to exercise additional caution where such events are held near electricity infrastructure and high-voltage transmission lines.