Rehman Khan, 12, and his 15-year-old cousin succumbed to injuries after a mudslide during brick-making activities

In a heartbreaking incident in Jabbi village, near Taxila, two teenage cousins tragically lost their lives when they were buried alive under a collapsing heap of earth at a local brick kiln on Monday. Twelve-year-old Rehman Khan and his 15-year-old cousin were engaged in the arduous task of digging mud for brick-making when the disaster struck, leaving the community in shock.

According to police and Rescue 1122 officials, the young boys were working at the kiln site when an unexpected mudslide occurred, burying them beneath the debris. Local residents, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene and joined forces with rescue teams to locate the trapped cousins. Their collective efforts were focused on quickly retrieving the boys from the rubble.

Despite the swift response, both Rehman and his cousin were found unconscious and were immediately transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for urgent medical attention. Tragically, medical personnel pronounced them dead upon arrival, confirming the devastating outcome of the accident. The Fatehjang police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

This incident underscores the dangers faced by young workers in the brick-making industry, which often involves hazardous conditions. The deaths of Rehman and his cousin serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved safety regulations and protections for child labourers, who frequently engage in physically demanding work under perilous conditions.

In a separate development, the Wah Saddar police made strides in combating drug-related crime, arresting a woman suspected of drug trafficking on the same day. Acting on a tip-off, Sub-Inspector Mohsin Shah and his team conducted a raid on the woman’s alleged drug den, resulting in the recovery of 1.6 kilograms of hashish.

The police spokesperson reported that the operation aimed to crack down on the illegal drug trade in the area, which poses significant challenges to community safety and wellbeing. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle narcotics distribution, with officers committed to maintaining public safety.

As the community mourns the loss of the young cousins, there is a renewed call for action to protect vulnerable workers and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The dual incidents of child fatalities at the kiln and drug-related arrests reflect the pressing social issues facing the region, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address both child labour and narcotics trafficking.