LAHORE: Death toll of loader-rickshaw’s fall into Muzaffargarh Canal has reached 12, including six minors. The rickshaw was carrying 24 wedding guests when it fell into the canal on Monday night.
Three loader-rickshaws were carrying a wedding procession from Lomarwala to Basti Arain in Kot Addu district when one of the rickshaws lost control due to speeding and fell into the Muzaffargarh Canal near Sheikhoo Sugar Mills in Sanawan.
A rescue operation was launched after three people climbed out of the canal on their own and alerted Rescue 1122. Subsequently, the local community, along with Rescue 1122, rescued six people alive and pulled out three bodies.
On Tuesday, as the operation continued, Rescue 1122 in-charge Osama Zeeshan told Dawn that nine more bodies had been recovered from the canal, taking the total toll to 12.
He added that the operation was still under way to recover the missing people. Eight divers and 22 swimmers from Kot Addu and Muzaffargarh districts are taking part in the operation and they have got help of the local community.
Zeeshan added that bodies had been recovered from 5, 7, 15 and 20km away from the site of the incident, and that rescuers had searched a 32km stretch of the canal.
The canal is estimated to be 12-15 feet deep and 100-120 feet wide, with a water flow of between 2,500 and 4,000 cusecs.Kot Addu District Police officer (DPO) Mansoor Qamar said the rescuers were still searching bodies of three persons in the canal.
He said that case would be registered against the driver of the rickshaw and action would be taken against them.
Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
