Staff Report
LAHORE: As many as four more bodies were retrieved Tuesday from under the rubble of the factory, which crumbled down as a result of explosion of its boiler yesterday morning, raising the overall toll to 18 thus far, SAMAA reports Tuesday.
Rescue sources said the hopes to recover more alive people are diminishing with the passage of time; however, an old lady has been taken out from the rubble after the lapse of 31 hours.

Various political leaders visited the mishap site and expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the tragedy. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders Raja Riaz also arrived on the spot; however, he did not flinch from criticizing Punjab government.

Several people are believed to be still trapped under the debris of the factory, which had women and children as its employees.

As many as 14 people were taken out in injured state from the devastated building debris.

According to details, the mishap occurred at 0810 PST in a medicine factory located on Multan Road, Kharak Stop, causing the entire building to collapse trapping under its debris people in large number. The debris could not be removed as yet despite the lapse of 24 hours.

Meantime, a case has been lodged against the factory owners and government officers in Sabzazar Police Station. Also, police arrested factory manager Muneer Ahmed.

According to the sources, the factory has been working since eight months now, as its license was not renewed since June 2011. SAMAA