SAHIWAL: At least two women lost their lives and 45 other injured in a stampede that took place at a flour distribution point here on Tuesday.
According to eye witnesses and media reports, the stampede took place when a large number of people showed up to get free flour, with women also standing in long queues.
As the time passed on, the crowed became impatient and lost its cool, which triggered the police to baton charge in order to restore the order, causing stampede with everyone trying to get the bag of free flour.
During the course of disturbance, 2 women crushed to death while 45 other were injured, four of them said to be in critical condition.
Rescue officials said the injured have been shifted to the DHQ hospital. The Sahiwal Deputy Commissioner and the District Police Officer were present at the spot.
An estimated eight people have lost their lives in Punjab and KP since the distribution of free flour bags began this week.