A tragic roof collapse at a private school in Peshawar has resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals, including 34 children and one teacher. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of this disaster.
The incident occurred during morning classes at the Al Khair Education Center when a roof section from the second floor fell onto the students below, followed by another collapse. Many individuals sustained injuries, with several requiring hospital treatment.
Local officials reported that the two story building’s roof partially collapsed, tragically blocking exits as it fell on the children and teacher. Most of the deceased were under the age of 13, making this one of Pakistan’s deadliest school building collapses.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the site following a distress call. A coordinated effort involving rescue workers, police, disaster management teams, and local residents helped pull children and staff from the debris.
Approximately 100 volunteers joined the rescue efforts, and Lady Reading Hospital declared an emergency due to the influx of injured children. Rescues continued for several hours, with all trapped individuals eventually rescued and debris removal commencing.
At least 45 people were reported injured, though some estimates suggest the number could exceed 50, with several individuals in critical condition.
School Owner Arrested
Police have arrested the school owner following the roof collapse. Peshawar police chief Mian Saeed indicated that the building’s structure was weak, raising concerns about potential building code violations at the school, which serves around 1,200 students.
The school owner attributed the collapse to heavy rain, a claim that remains unverified. The provincial government has initiated an inquiry to assess compliance with safety regulations.
Parents of the victims are demanding accountability, believing prior warnings about the building’s safety were overlooked.
Incident Occurred During Classes
The disaster struck while children were in morning classes, with reports indicating that two classroom roofs caved in, injuring many students and staff. The school primarily catered to preschool through fifth grade.
Local parents were seen frantically searching for their children at both the school and the hospital, while community members assisted rescue teams in locating survivors. Authorities praised the prompt actions of emergency responders in saving lives.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and extended condolences to the families affected. Sharif assured that the injured would receive the best possible care, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities committed to investigating the incident.
This incident is not isolated; local media reported that a similar tragedy occurred last June in Lahore, resulting in 14 schoolchildren’s deaths due to a roof collapse at a private tuition center.
Investigating Building Safety
Authorities are examining how building regulations may have played a role in the Peshawar disaster. It is crucial to determine whether the school met all construction standards and if any modifications to the second floor compromised the roof’s integrity.
Investigators will also look into whether prior warnings about the building’s safety were disregarded. The findings from the police inquiry are expected to clarify this heartbreaking incident and identify those responsible.
In the meantime, families are mourning their losses, while authorities continue to seek answers regarding this tragic event that has deeply affected Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.