A stampede broke out during a ration distribution at city’s Expo Centre on Sunday leading to minor injuries among women who had gathered to collect ration sacks.
In the wake of Ramazan, a non-government organisation (NGO) had arranged distribution of ration among the poor and needy. Stampede erupted when the announcement was made that all ration sacks had been distributed. Some of the awaiting people tried to rush towards the distribution area while a few women scaled a fence. During the mismanagement and scorching heat, a number of elderly men and woman also fell unconscious.
The ration distribution was halted due to chaotic crowd which forced the administration to close main gates of Expo Centre but eventually it failed to prevent women from entering the centre.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Qaim Ali Shah took notice of the mismanagement. He directed the Karachi commissioner to take strict action against the situation and ordered police to reach the spot. Qaim Ali said that no one would be spared found involved in the mismanagement.
The police then reached the spot, dispersed people and cleared the area.