Body of 3-Year-Old Recovered After Falling into an Open Manhole in Karachi

Karachi — The body of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an uncovered manhole near Nipa Chowrangi, was recovered 14 hours after the tragic incident. Rescue teams located the boy nearly one kilometer away in a drainage line, with residents and volunteers stepping in with their own machinery when official support failed to arrive. Ibrahim was the couple’s only son and had slipped into the manhole during a family outing.

The tragedy sparked protests in Nipa Chowrangi, where residents blocked roads and demanded accountability from the local administration. Vehicles were damaged, and media personnel were targeted in the unrest.  

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab ordered an inquiry, stating that action would be taken against any negligent officers. The Sindh government also launched a formal investigation to determine why the manhole cover was missing, highlighting long-standing civic safety failures.

Rescue officials reported that they had been carrying out excavation at multiple locations to locate the child, but the absence of key staff from the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) delayed the operation. Machinery needed for excavation was also unavailable, adding to the difficulties faced by rescue teams.

Ibrahim’s father explained that the child had run ahead after the family finished shopping and fell into the open sewer right in front of him. His grandfather confirmed that Ibrahim was the family’s only son.

Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed confirmed that an inquiry has been launched, and action will be taken against anyone found negligent. Deputy Mayor Salman Murad also instructed that all rescue agencies be on alert to ensure immediate response in such incidents.

According to rescue sources, 24 people have died in Karachi this year after falling into open manholes and drains, including 19 men and five children.