ABSTH roof collapse claims two lives, injures nine

GUJRAT: Two persons died and nine others were injured as the roof of a ward caved in at the Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital (ABSTH).

The patients were undergoing treatment in the surgical ward located on the first floor of the hospital when the roof suddenly collapsed, causing injuries to several patients.

According to the medical superintendent, rescue staff promptly removed the injured patients from the debris and shifted them to other wards.

In the incident, two patients, including a woman, succumbed to their injuries, while nine others were wounded, he said.

Hospital sources say that an attempt to change the pillars for renovation purposes weakened the structure, leading to the collapse of the surgical ward's ceiling.

Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Communications and Works, Malik Soheb Ahmed Bharath, directed the research wing of his department to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

He says action would be taken against those responsible for neglecting safety measures during repairs.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought a report on the incident from the health secretary and ordered a thorough inquiry. She says the negligent parties would be held accountable for their actions.