Death toll rises to 12 as residential building collapses in Karachi's Lyari

Apartment complex was declared unsafe by officials, but residents refused to evacuate

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A five-storey residential building, previously declared dangerous, caved in on Friday morning in the densely-populated Baghdadi area of Lyari, turning into a pile of rubble and leaving at least 12 dead. The deadly collapse occurred near Lea Market at around 10:53 am, according to Rescue 1122.

Rescue teams, equipped with five disaster response vehicles, two snorkels, and several ambulances, were rushed to the site soon after distress calls. Cranes and lifters were also sent following coordination with concerned authorities.

Heart-rending scenes unfolded at the site as families of those trapped under the debris cried out for their loved ones and prayed for their safety. Bystanders tried to console distraught relatives, while others watched in stunned silence. The area was soon cordoned off by police and Rangers to facilitate rescue efforts.

Officials confirmed that the tragedy claimed at least 12 people, including women. The victims were shifted to Civil Hospital by Chhipa and Edhi teams, who also participated in the rescue operations alongside Rescue 1122 personnel.

According to list released by Civil Hospital Trauma Centre authorities, the identified deceased included 32-year-old Prem, 35-year-old Wasim, 55-year-old Hoorbai, 21-year-old Prantik, 15-year-old Sunita, 40-year-old Diya Lal and 13-year-old Wanda, daughter of Kailash, while 55-year-old Fatima, succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Moreover, Kishan Diya Lal, Husna Vishal and two others also succumbed to their injuries.

According to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, more than 100 personnel took part in the rescue operation, which faced challenges due to obstructed pathways, large crowds of onlookers, and mobile network disruptions.

Local residents told The Express Tribune that the building had long shown signs of structural instability, with concrete pieces and broken bricks frequently falling from the structure. Officials had declared the building unsafe and advised occupants to evacuate. However, several families remained reluctant.

One man at the site, visibly shaken, said that his parents and other family members were inside the building when it came crashing down. “I am just praying they come out alive,” he said.

The provincial chief minister took notice of the incident, calling it “extremely unfortunate,” and directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed report.

Emphasising that negligence would not be tolerated, Murad Ali Shah stressed that the protection of human lives must be the top priority. He also instructed that dangerous structures be identified without delay and steps taken to prevent future incidents.

Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso, and political leaders also visited the site to monitor ongoing rescue operations.

Speaking to reporters, Ghani acknowledged negligence on the part of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). “The building was declared unsafe, but residents did not vacate. Unfortunately, forced evacuations become a humanitarian dilemma, as they render people homeless,” he said. “Even one life lost is a tragedy.”

City SSP Arif Aziz, along with a large police contingent, was also present at the scene. To ensure rescue teams could work unhindered, police resorted to baton-charging bystanders who refused to disperse.

DC Khoso confirmed that the building housed around 20 apartments. Cracks had begun to appear in the structure shortly before the collapse, triggering some residents to flee.

“Preliminary estimates suggest that 30 to 35 people were inside at the time,” he said, adding that officials were using thermal imaging technology to detect anyone still trapped beneath the debris.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, also present at the scene, said that six bodies had been recovered by his team during the operation. He described the structure as a “ground-plus-five-storey building in a hazardous state.”

Rescue and relief efforts continued late into the evening as authorities worked to ensure no one remained trapped.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that the rescue efforts be expedited.

The premier also instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those wounded. Stressing the need for preventative action, he called for the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to avoid such tragedies in the future.