LAHORE (MNN); At least 14 children lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after the roof of a room being used as a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area on Tuesday, triggering a massive rescue operation and prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the tragedy.
According to officials at Lahore General Hospital, the deceased children included youngsters aged between 6 and 15 years. Rescue officials feared the death toll could rise further as some of the children trapped beneath the rubble were reported to be in critical condition during the rescue operation.
A total of 19 injured children were shifted to Lahore General Hospital after being rescued from the debris, where they continue to receive medical treatment. Health authorities declared an emergency at the hospital, directing senior administrators, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to ensure immediate medical care for all victims.
Rescue 1122 teams, assisted by Edhi emergency workers, launched an extensive rescue operation immediately after the collapse. According to preliminary information, approximately 35 students were attending tuition classes when the roof suddenly gave way.
Police sources confirmed that five individuals, including the owner of the house, were taken into custody shortly after the incident as part of the investigation.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed police and district administration officials to identify those responsible for the roof collapse and ensure criminal proceedings are initiated against anyone found negligent.
Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the building was being used as a private tuition centre operated by a local woman. He said education department officials were inspecting the site and assured that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran said the contractor who had recently constructed the house had also been arrested. He added that a section of the building was still under construction, with labourers working at the site when the roof collapsed.
According to the Edhi Rescue Service, the roof of a residential room collapsed suddenly. Initial findings suggest the roof had been built using TR girders, which will be examined as part of the technical investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Edhi officials said ambulances remained at the scene throughout the operation, providing emergency medical assistance while rescue workers continued searching the debris for any remaining victims.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine whether negligence, construction defects or violations of building regulations contributed to the tragedy.
This is a developing story, and official casualty figures or investigation findings may change as rescue efforts and inquiries continue.