SHANGLA: Two people, including a child, were killed and six others were injured when they fell into a stream after a staircase collapsed during an anti-encroachment operation in Aloch Bazaar in Puran tehsil here on Tuesday, where the administration’s ongoing campaign has faced resistance from the public.

According to Rescue 1122, the incident occurred when the administration was demolishing a building as part of its anti-encroachment drive.

Several children, who were standing on the building’s staircase, fell into the stream when it collapsed, leaving two people dead.

They were identified as Irshad, 50, and a child, Abbas.

Residents said that the deceased child was the only brother of four sisters.

The injured included Samiullah, 12, Aurangzeb, 14, Anas, 14, Baseer, 15, Mohammad Zakariya, 8, and Murad Khan, 34.

The incident occurred as the district administration continues its anti-encroachment campaign in different parts of Shangla.

The drive has encountered resistance from members of the public in some areas, reflecting tensions surrounding the removal of structures.

The deaths of two people raised concerns about safety precautions during the anti-encroachment drive, particularly in populated areas.

The administration’s response to the incident and further details about the condition of the injured were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, Shangla deputy commissioner Hamid Ali ordered an inquiry into the incident.

The deputy commissioner appointed an additional deputy commissioner (general) and assistant commissioner of Martung as inquiry officers to investigate the incident and submit a report within 24 hours.

The order was issued to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the facts.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026