It’s possible that the Askari park ride was not properly operated, say investigators

It’s possible that the Askari park ride was not properly operated, say investigators

ISLAMABAD: It is possible that the Askari Amusement Park ride that collapsed late Sunday night was not properly operated, said investigators.

Police opened an investigation into the case after a 10-year-old child, Kashaf, was killed late Sunday night. The crime scene investigation team of District East prepared an initial investigation report when the caretaker CM ordered an inquiry. It said that the main bolt that held the ride broke, because of which the ride collapsed.

Also read: Police register case against Askari park administration

The PIB police registered a case against the administration of the Askari Amusement Park on behalf of the state on Monday. The FIR does not nominate anyone by name. It includes sections pertaining to unintended murder and negligence.

SSP Investigations East-I Umar Tufail is now heading the investigations. According to him, they have summoned the contractors and staff members operating the ride to record their statements on Wednesday.

Action will be taken against those who do not show up, said the investigators.

Also read: Case yet to be registered in Askari park tragedy

On the other hand, the deputy commissioner has formed a team of his own to look into the matter. His investigation team will also hold a meeting on Wednesday.

The deputy commissioner had summoned two contractors, identified as Imran Sheikh and Shafqat, who were involved in the installation of the rides at the park. Sheikh sent his lawyers to see the deputy commissioner on Tuesday. They asked the deputy commissioner to ask them whatever the authorities wanted to know. The deputy commissioner replied that the contractor should appear before him in person. A detailed list of questions has been prepared, he said.

Kashaf, a 10-year-old girl, died on the spot when the ride fell late Sunday night at the park located in Old Sabzi Mandi. At least 18 others were injured. The park administration fled the scene after the incident and people took it upon themselves to take the injured to nearby medical facilities.

The park was sealed for public after the incident. AP