One person died and more than 13 others were injured in a stampede at a mehndi ceremony and prize-distribution event organised by popular TikToker Mr Pattlo in Sialkot on Saturday night. Reportedly, a case has also been registered against him, including 9 nominated and 40 to 45 unidentified individuals.
According to Rescue 1122, the ceremony was scheduled to take place at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road.
According to Sialkot police, the incident happened when organisers opened the stadium gates to allow people inside. A large crowd rushed towards the entrance, causing several people to fall and get injured.
Police initially reported that 14 people were injured. Rescue 1122 said 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel died while being taken to hospital due to his critical condition.
How did rescue teams respond?
Police and Rescue 1122 teams carried out a joint rescue operation. The injured were shifted to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Most of the injured received first aid and were later discharged. However, some remained under medical care.
Rescue 1122 said the injured were men aged between 22 and 51 years. They belonged to different districts, including Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, Okara, Sialkot, Gujrat and Bahawalpur.
However, two local residents, Muhammad Asif and Aamir Ali, claimed that more than 40 people were injured.
They said several injured people had already been taken to nearby private hospitals and clinics by attendees before rescue teams arrived.
Sialkot District Emergency Officer Engineer Naveed Iqbal said Rescue 1122 had not received prior information about the large gathering at the cricket ground.
He said four ambulances and one motorcycle ambulance took part in the rescue operation.
What action did the police take?
Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Dost Muhammad reached the site with a large police team and Elite Force personnel after the incident.
On his instructions, police took control of security arrangements and managed the crowd. They also helped rescue teams continue their work without interruption.
