KARACHI, Aug 23: A huge old tree at Saudabad roundabout along Madressah Qadria Rizvia collapsed on Wednesday owing to alleged negligence of the officials of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.

The tree fell on a pole and partially on the building of Jamia Masjid Kanzul Iman but luckily no one was hurt.

According to area people, the KWSB staff had some time back dug up a trench under the tree which had already weakened its roots. During the recent rainfall, water seeped into it and caused further damage to the roots which resulted in collapse of the tree. Fortunately, the people said, it fell on a building. Had it fallen on the road, it might have resulted in a major incident as scores of vehicles pass by the three day and night, according to them.

Incidents have happened in the recent rains as at least two trees fell on motorcars and the occupants had to be evacuated. Such an incident had occurred on I I Chundrigar Road and another in North Nazimabad.

Area people have slammed water board officials for negligence, arguing that had they filled up the trench timely after completing their job, the tree would not have fallen. Their negligence had deprived passengers of the much needed shadow very useful in hot weather conditions.

Hundreds of trees have been cut down in the city unnecessarily by the vested interest during the last couple of years on different pretexts, and a majority of the victims is old trees.