Search enters third day for seven-year-old boy swept into Rawalpindi drain

WEB DESK: A seven-year-old boy who fell into a sewage drain near IJP Road’s Kacha Stop has still not been recovered, as rescue teams continue a large scale search operation for a third consecutive day, officials said on Thursday.

The child, identified as Wasal, fell into the drain two days ago, which led to an immediate emergency response by rescue teams.

Despite sustained efforts and the deployment of multiple specialised units, officials confirmed that no trace of the boy has yet been found.

Rescue teams have expanded the operation across multiple points of the drainage system, including underground sections extending from the incident site towards Kacha Stop.

Heavy machinery, water rescue units and search crews have been mobilised in an attempt to clear blockages and trace possible locations where the child may have been swept.

Expanded search operation and heavy machinery deployed

Rescue team said the search has now moved beyond surface-level inspection, with teams focusing on the main sewer channel and areas identified as potential entrapment points.

Two excavators have also been requisitioned from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi to assist in clearing debris and improving access inside the drain network.

Rescue personnel added that all available resources were being utilised in a coordinated effort, with water rescue teams working alongside excavation crews and support staff.

The operation, they said, remains active around the clock despite difficult terrain and hazardous conditions inside the drainage system.

No breakthrough despite continuous efforts

Rescue officials confirmed that, despite three days of uninterrupted search operations, there has been no breakthrough in locating the child.

They said the complexity of the drainage system and strong water flow in parts of the network have significantly hampered progress.

Authorities maintained that the search will continue until the boy is recovered, with teams closely monitoring all possible routes within the drainage infrastructure.