29 Students, Teacher Killed as School Roof Collapses in Pakistan’s Peshawar; Owner Arrested.
Peshawar:
At least 29 students and a teacher were killed and 18 others injured after the roof of a private school collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, triggering a massive rescue operation, according to local officials.
The incident occurred at the private Al-Khair School in the Dir Colony neighbourhood of Peshawar. Emergency services were alerted at around 8:48 am local time, following which rescue workers rushed to the scene to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The victims were reportedly children aged between six and 12 years. The collapse sparked panic in the neighbourhood as rescue personnel and local residents worked for hours to pull the children and other victims from the debris.
Mohammad Asim, spokesperson for Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital, said at least 19 people had sustained injuries in the incident. The injured were taken for medical treatment, while rescue teams continued efforts to determine whether additional children remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Rescue Operation Hampered by Narrow Street
Rescue workers faced significant difficulties reaching the school because it is situated on a narrow street where only one vehicle can pass at a time. The limited access complicated the movement of emergency vehicles and equipment, slowing efforts to evacuate the injured and search through the rubble.
Local residents joined emergency personnel in the rescue operation, helping to clear debris and assist those affected by the tragedy. Authorities remained concerned that more victims could be trapped beneath the collapsed roof during the initial search.
School Owner Arrested, Investigation Underway
Police have arrested the owner of the school as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Authorities are expected to investigate the structural condition of the building and determine whether negligence or violations of safety regulations contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious concerns about building safety and the structural integrity of educational institutions, particularly those accommodating young children.
Pakistan President Expresses Grief
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s office expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a devastating tragedy that had plunged the entire nation into shock.
The statement conveyed the gravity of the loss as families faced the heartbreaking news of children losing their lives while attending school.
The authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the collapse, while the rescue and relief efforts have brought renewed attention to the need for strict enforcement of building safety standards in schools.
