At least 14 children were killed and several others injured when the roof of a private tutoring centre collapsed in the Kahna suburb of Lahore, Pakistan. Authorities have arrested two individuals and launched an investigation into the incident.
Incident Details
The collapse occurred at approximately 16:45 local time at a private tuition centre located in an ageing building. According to senior police official Faisal Kamran, the roof of an unfinished second floor collapsed, likely due to poor construction quality. One witness reported that workers were repairing tiles on the building when the roof gave way.
The victims were children, with medical sources reporting their ages ranged between approximately 4 and 12 years. Other sources indicated the victims were mostly between 7 and 11 years old.
Casualties and Rescue Response
- Fatalities: 14 schoolchildren
- Injuries: Five to nine people were injured, including a teacher and eight children, according to different sources
- Rescue operation: Rescue 1122 completed the operation within one hour, with rescuers searching through rubble amid reports that more children could be trapped
Investigation and Arrests
Police arrested the owner of the tutoring centre and one other person. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the collapse.
Government Response
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the incident and directed authorities to provide medical assistance to the injured. The Prime Minister's office stated that those responsible would be identified through a transparent investigation.
Background
Building and roof collapses occur periodically in Pakistan, often attributed to poor safety standards and substandard construction materials. In July 2023, a five-storey building collapse in Lyari, Karachi, resulted in 27 deaths and 10 injuries.