Eight-Year-Old Girl Dies After Family Inhaled Insecticide Fumes in DHA

An eight-year-old girl, identified as Jannat, died on Friday at a private hospital in Karachi after fainting along with six other members of her family from inhaling insecticide fumes. The incident occurred a day earlier at their residence in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area.

Jannat, the second child of Dr. Zia-ud-Din Shaikh, was the second fatality in the family. Her five-year-old brother, Moin-ud-Din, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital on Thursday, according to police reports.

The family had reportedly arranged for fumigation at their DHA home to eliminate mosquitoes. However, the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. Police are investigating whether the tragedy was caused by the use of a potent insecticide, potential negligence by the fumigation service, or a lack of precautions taken by the family.

DIG-South Syed Asad Raza confirmed that the remaining family members were in stable condition and had been discharged from the hospital. He added that Dr. Zia-ud-Din had been contacted for further details about the fumigation company but had requested time to discuss the matter with investigators after the funerals.

The police were alerted to the incident after South City Hospital reported several unconscious family members from a house on Khayaban-i-Seher. According to the house staff, Dr. Zia had arranged for the fumigation, though the precise details remain with him.

Initially, Dr. Zia confirmed to authorities that the fumigation caused the incident but expressed reluctance to pursue any formal police investigation, describing the event as an "accident," said the DIG. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.