Three-Year-Old Child Missing After Falling Into Open Manhole in Karachi

Web Desk | 5 months ago

KARACHI: Another tragic incident caused by open manholes shook the city on Sunday night when a three-year-old boy, Ibrahim son of Nabeel, fell into an uncovered sewer near Nipa Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The child had accompanied his family for shopping and reportedly slipped away as they exited the market, falling directly into a manhole that had no cover.

Rescue teams continued searching throughout the night, but the child had not been found till Monday morning. According to rescue officials, they lacked the heavy machinery required for excavation, and no government department initially stepped forward to assist. Later, area residents arranged heavy equipment on their own and started digging to trace the child.

The heartbreaking incident sparked intense anger in the area. Agitated citizens blocked roads around Nipa Chowrangi, burned tires, and halted traffic towards Hasan Square and Karachi University, leading to major congestion. The child’s mother remained in shock, pleading for her son to be returned alive.

اندازہ کرو کہ کروڑوں روپے روزانہ کا بزنس کرنے والےChase Up سٹور (نیپا چورنگی کراچی) کے دروازے کے بلکل سامنے گٹر کے مین ہول کا ڈھکن ہی نہیں تھا
شاپنگ کے بعد فیملی جیسے ہی باہر نکلی بچہ اسٹور کے سامنے کھلے مین ہول کے اندر گرا اور نہ مل سکا ۔
ماں کی چیخیں دل دہلا رہی ہیں 💔 pic.twitter.com/1ft48DjITx

— پری زاد (@Parizaad_reborn) November 30, 2025

The Sindh government has taken notice of the incident. Provincial spokesperson Sadia Javed said an inquiry has been launched to determine why the manhole cover was missing and assured that those responsible will face strict action.

Open manholes continue to pose serious dangers across Karachi. Last month, a three-year-old child died after falling into an open drain in Surjani Town, while in July 2024, five children fell into a manhole in Malir’s Ghafoor Basti, claiming two lives. Earlier in May, a senior woman fell into an open drain outside UC-119, an incident that went viral on social media.

Rising cases of open manholes have led to growing public frustration and raised serious questions over municipal governance in Karachi.