Two drowned, two rescued after vehicle plunges into canal in Kandhkot

KANDHKOT, Sindh: A vehicle plunged into a canal in Kandhkot, Sindh, on Sunday, leaving two people drowned while two others were rescued alive, according to rescue officials and relatives.

The incident occurred near Kandhkot in Kashmore district when a Datsun pickup truck carrying several passengers lost control on a dilapidated bridge and plunged into the fast-flowing Shahi Canal.

The driver managed to swim ashore safely, but four passengers — including two children — were swept away by the strong currents.

Local residents launched a rescue effort and pulled two children from the water alive. However, two other passengers were carried away by the torrent.

Relatives identified the missing victims as 10-year-old Lal and 20-year-old Mujeeb Goloo.

“We are searching for them on our own,” a relative told Hum English. “The administration was informed immediately, but no official rescue operation has been launched yet.”

Drowning accidents are common in rural Pakistan, where deteriorating infrastructure, poorly maintained bridges and overloaded vehicles often contribute to fatal incidents.

Residents expressed anger over the condition of the bridge, blaming government negligence for the tragedy.

The search for the missing victims continued as families urged authorities to deploy specialised divers to recover the bodies.

Local administrative officials could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the alleged delay in the rescue operation.