Staircase of a dilapidated building collapses in Karachi's Lee Market

Residents claim no inspection of structure by SBCA

KARACHI:

A staircase of a residential building near Karachi's Lee Market collapsed early Sunday, trapping residents inside. 

The three-storey building was built in 1843 and is situated in the jurisdiction of Napier police station. The stairwell collapsed due to lack of maintenance.

The rescue team arrived soon after the incident and evacuated 10 people, including an old lady and children, along with pets kept on the roof. 

Shahid Hussain, a resident, revealed that the building was bought by his grandmother in 1941 and was later handed over to her three sons. 

Despite no inspection from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Hussain claimed the building was not declared ‘dangerous' and its walls were stronger than those of new construction projects. 

He expressed regret that lack of investment in repairs led to the collapse.