Basant festivities in the city turned tragic as at least one person lost his life and six others sustained injuries in separate kite-related accidents reported across Lahore.
According to rescue authorities, 25-year-old Ali Rashid died near the Sikh Nullah area after climbing an electricity pole in an attempt to catch a flying kite. During the process, he came into contact with live wires and suffered a fatal electric shock. After completing legal procedures, officials handed over his body to the family.
In another heartbreaking incident, eight-year-old Irha was critically injured when a kite string became entangled around her neck while she was riding a motorcycle with her father in Gulshan-e-Ravi. She was quickly shifted to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Several other Basant-related mishaps were also reported from different neighborhoods. Saqib, 30, fell from a rooftop on Ravi Road while trying to retrieve a kite. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Abdul Wahid was injured while chasing a kite near Lower Mall. In Gulshan-e-Ravi, 14-year-old Salman sustained injuries after climbing a tree to catch a kite. Similarly, 45-year-old Shabbir suffered wounds when a sharp string wrapped around his neck, and 21-year-old Rafi Tanveer was hurt in Defence Phase 5 in another string-related accident.
Rescue teams responded promptly to each incident and provided medical assistance to the victims. Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures during Basant celebrations, warning that kite flying can pose serious risks, especially with dangerous strings and unsafe climbing.
Despite the festive atmosphere and excitement surrounding Basant’s return, multiple violations of safety rules were reported, raising concerns about public awareness and precautionary practices during the celebrations.
