Father escapes death, loses six family members in Lyari building collapse

Jumma Deo recalls leaving for work at 7 am, unaware it would be the last time he'd see his family

What was once a life filled with love and laughter for middle-aged Jumma Deo Ji Hanjoora has now become a heartbreaking tale of loss and devastation. His life turned upside down when a five-storey residential building in the Baghdadi area of Lyari collapsed, taking six members of his family with it. Among the victims were his wife, two sons, their wives, and his young granddaughter.

Jumma Deo, a professional plumber, narrowly escaped the tragedy, as he had left for work that fateful morning, unaware of the unimaginable pain that awaited him. The haunting memory of his granddaughter’s voice still rings in his ears: “What did you bring me, Dadu?” "I break down every time I visit the rubble," says Jumma Deo, his voice trembling with grief.

The collapse took place early Saturday morning on a narrow, winding street in the densely populated Baghdadi neighborhood of Lyari. While multiple families were affected, none suffered as devastating a loss as Jumma Deo.

Standing amidst grieving relatives and the supportive community at the Kutchi Meghwar Maheshwari Panchayat Hall, Jumma Deo, clearly struggling with the weight of his sorrow, shared his heartbreaking story with Express News. "I woke up at 7 am that day and left for work, not realising that it would be the last time I would see my family. They were all still asleep when I left," he said, his voice faltering.

Two to three hours later, a call came from an acquaintance, telling him that the building had collapsed. With panic rising in his chest, Jumma Deo rushed back home, hoping that only part of the structure had fallen and that his family might still be safe. But as he tried to reach them by phone, his worst fears were realised — no one answered.

When he arrived at the site, the building that had once been his home was now nothing but a pile of rubble. Clinging to a shred of hope, he searched desperately through the debris, praying his loved ones might be alive beneath the wreckage. Tragically, that hope was crushed. His eldest son’s body was recovered after 12 hours, and the next day, his wife and granddaughter were found. The following day, the remains of his second son and both daughters-in-law were pulled from the ruins.

Jumma Deo reflected on his sons’ lives, describing them with fondness. His elder son, Vishal, was a mobile phone repairman, while his younger son, Kailash, worked as a tile worker and had married only a year ago. His granddaughter, just 13, had been the light of the family, always asking, “Dadu, what did you bring me?” Now, Jumma Deo mourns the absence of her joyful voice and wonders, "Who will ask such questions now? Who will I bring sweets or snacks for?"

The tragedy has left the family homeless, and they are now staying with relatives. The members of the Kutchi Meghwar Maheshwari Hindu community, who have been with the grieving family, have appealed to the government for help. They have asked for support in providing shelter and assistance to those affected by the collapse, as they struggle to cope with the unimaginable loss and begin rebuilding their lives.