At least eight women were killed and several others injured when the roof of a building collapsed during a relief distribution event in Rahim Yar Khan on Monday.

According to Rescue 1122, the incident took place in Chak 125 P, Rahim Yar Khan, where a large number of women had gathered to receive financial aid under the Benazir Income Support Programme.

Initial reports stated that the roof, unable to withstand the weight of the large crowd, suddenly collapsed due to the overwhelming rush.

The deceased have been identified as Shehnaz, wife of Munawar Nawaz; Mariam, wife of Yar Muhammad; Bakhtawar, wife of Fazal Din; Anwar Mai, wife of Dar Muhammad; Charkhi Mai, wife of Gogi; Parveen Akhtar, wife of Bashir Ahmad; Haleema Bibi, wife of Mustafa’; and Zuleikha Bibi, wife of Abdul Rashid.

Deputy Commissioner Zahid Anwar Jappa and DPO Irfan Ali Samo visited the accident site immediately and supervised the rescue operation.

Later, the deputy commissioner and the DPO visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where they inquired about the condition of the injured women.

According to the deputy commissioner, 57 individuals were injured in the incident, with one woman in critical condition and two others suffering from serious head injuries.

Four deceased women were also transferred to Sheikh Zayed Hospital.

A district administration spokesman stated that teams from Rescue 1122, Edhi, and other relief organisations provided medical assistance to the injured at the scene and transported them to the hospital.

On the Deputy Commissioner’s orders, an emergency has been declared at Sheikh Zayed Hospital.

The district administration assured that a detailed report is being prepared to investigate the incident.