Lyari building collapse: Death toll rises to 23 as rescue work continues

At least 23 people, including 11 women and a child, are confirmed dead after a five-storey residential building collapsed in Lyari neighbourhood early Friday morning, authorities said on Saturday.

The building, located in Lyari’s Baghdadi area, housed six families and collapsed on Friday. Rescue workers arrived promptly, using heavy machinery to sift through the rubble.

Humayun Khan, Chief Fire Officer and head of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) rescue operation, told The Express Tribune that the death toll included 11 women, 11 men, and a 10-year-old boy.

He said that 20 bodies were recovered from the debris, while three women succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

At least nine others were injured in the incident. Six of them have been treated and discharged, while three remain hospitalised.

Humayun Khan said rescue efforts are being carried out with increased speed compared to past operations, with rescuers exercising caution to avoid harming any trapped survivors. Families of the missing continue to hope for the safe recovery of their loved ones.

Officials stated that around 80 percent of the rescue operation has been completed. A large pillar obstructing the site is currently being cut and removed, after which the debris is being shifted using excavators. Over 200 personnel from Rescue 1122 are actively engaged in rescue and relief work.

Nearby, three buildings have been evacuated, and residents relocated to a temporary camp house established by the Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Lyari for their safety.

Meanwhile, families who lived in the building claim that 7-8 people are still trapped under the rubble.

Among the families affected is Maya Shamji, who remains hopeful about the fate of his relatives. He said his brother lived in the collapsed building but was at work during the incident. However, his wife, two sons, and daughters-in-law are still missing.

He expressed gratitude towards government and welfare agencies for providing food and other essentials, while urging authorities to arrange immediate alternative housing for all displaced families.

Officials say the building was declared unsafe three years ago, yet neither the residents evacuated nor did the authorities take any enforcement action. Each floor of the building reportedly contained three apartments.

Two adjacent buildings—a two-storey and a seven-storey structure—have been evacuated as a precaution. Power and gas lines to the collapsed building have been cut to prevent further hazards.

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said the rescue operation may take up to 24 hours. He urged residents of unsafe buildings to relocate voluntarily.

“We cannot force people out of their homes,” he said, adding that a meeting with the Sindh Building Control Authority has been called to address illegal constructions.

Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Khoso confirmed that the building’s residents were served notices in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Of 107 dangerous buildings in the district, 21 are classified as highly hazardous, and 14 have already been vacated, he said, adding, “It would be premature to assign blame at this stage.”