A roof collapsed at a private tuition centre operating inside an under-construction building in Lahore, Pakistan, on Tuesday, killing 14 children and injuring 20 children and one female teacher.
More than 30 students, aged between 7 and 13, were present in the classroom when the roof suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris.
The incident took place in Lahore's Kahna Nau area, where a private tuition centre was being operated inside an under-construction building. According to preliminary information, construction of the building had not been completed, yet classes were being conducted there on a regular basis.
Eyewitnesses said the class was in progress when a large section of the roof collapsed with a loud noise. Residents nearby immediately began rescue efforts and informed the authorities.
According to officials, the 14 children who died included seven girls and seven boys. The identification process is being completed, and the bodies are being handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations.
The injured students and the teacher were taken to Lahore General Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Some children are reported to be in critical condition, and officials have not ruled out the possibility that the death toll could rise.
Rescue agencies, police and the local administration reached the site soon after receiving information about the collapse. Heavy equipment and machinery were used to remove the debris.
Rescue workers continued operations for several hours to evacuate children trapped beneath the rubble. Local residents also assisted in the rescue efforts and helped transport the injured to hospital by ambulance. Authorities secured the area to facilitate the operation.
Following the incident, the Punjab provincial government declared an emergency at Lahore General Hospital. Additional doctors, nurses and medical staff were deployed after a large number of injured children were admitted.
Hospital authorities also made special arrangements to ensure the availability of blood supplies. Children with serious injuries are receiving priority treatment, while the health department continues to monitor the condition of the injured and provide the required medical resources.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the incident. Both leaders conveyed sympathy to the families of the deceased children and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
They instructed the relevant authorities to ensure there was no negligence in the relief and rescue operations. The government said every possible assistance would be provided to the affected families.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. She directed officials to identify those responsible for the accident and initiate criminal proceedings against them.
The Chief Minister also ordered an inquiry into how permission was granted to conduct classes inside an under-construction building and whether building safety standards had been followed. Administrative officials have been instructed to submit the investigation report to the government at the earliest.
The incident has raised questions in Pakistan over the use of under-construction buildings and compliance with building safety regulations.
Local residents and social organisations have called for safety audits of private educational institutions and strict action against those found violating applicable rules.
