An eight-year-0ld girl among seven members of her family who fainted after being exposed to insecticide fumes died at a private hospital. This incident is linked back to Dr Ziauddin Shaikh, the boy’s father and also owns another house in Defence Housing Authority where an eight-day long fog had been reported recently.[i]
Dr Zia was accused of using deadly insecticide fumes inside his home which is located near a school. The children were playing outside when the police came to know about it and immediately started investigation but Dr Zia fled leaving behind only his mother who died before giving details.
The officer said that he had spoken with several of family members still unconscious at hospital, all are in a stable condition now after being given oxygen therapy for three days. His wife and father have also been discharged from the South City Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
- “In an environment like that of DHA where children play outside,” says Syed Asad Raza, Director General (South). “The family’s exposure to deadly insecticide fumes became quite apparent. We have managed not only the victims here but also identified a strong link between use of these chemical substances and health issues in this area.”
- “I was shocked when I heard about it,” says an onlooker from his locality who is closely observing all developments. “It’s quite alarming, but also saddening to think that such a disaster could happen and the family being taken care of.”
- “The mother passed away due to respiratory issues after inhalation,” adds another local.
Dr Zia has not been formally charged yet but is currently under investigation. An inquiry committee headed by DIG-South Syed Asad Raza visited his property and the fumigated house for further evidence collection, which includes testimonies from staff members of both residences.
“The family’s ignorance about proper precautions while using strong insecticides led to this terrible outcome,” says Dr Zia. “I am regretful and will cooperate fully with the investigation process as soon as they call.”
Dr Asad Raza said that DHA authorities had already been informed, but he wished for a thorough inquiry before making any decisions on action against those responsible.
- “The tragedy here is much more than just the loss of lives,” says Dr Asad Raza. “It has shaken our community to its core and will take time to recover fully.”
