Sisters killed in roof collapse

Tragedy struck again in Lyari's Khadda Market in Baghdadi area when the roof of the fifth floor of a residential building collapsed, causing the fourth-floor ceiling to cave in as well. As a result, two women lost their lives and three others, including two sisters, were injured.

The deceased were identified as the wife and sister of the building owner, Rafiq, 40-year-old Hurmat and Hameeda respectively. While his two daughters, 12-year-old Jaweria and 15-year-old Hira were among the injured. Following the collapse, panic gripped the neighbourhood. A large number of residents gathered at the site and began rescue efforts to pull those trapped under the rubble.

Upon receiving information, rescue teams, police, Rangers, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and the Deputy Commissioner South arrived at the scene. Volunteers recovered the bodies of the two women and rescued the injured, shifting them to Civil Hospital, after which the building was sealed.

Reportedly, a man named Yousuf, living on the fifth floor, had been carrying out repair work, during which the roof collapsed, causing structural failure on the floor below. All the victims were residents of the fourth floor.

SDPO Baghdadi Irshad Gabol, speaking to The Express Tribune, confirmed that labourers were working on the fifth floor when the incident occurred. Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said an investigation is underway, and the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has been notified. Its technical team will inspect the site to determine further action.

Chief Fire and Rescue Officer of KMC, Humayun Khan told the media that shuttering work was underway on the upper floor, and when the roof collapsed, debris fell into the fourth floor's TV lounge, trapping the women and children beneath. Rescue teams also evacuated 22 people from a nearby dilapidated building as a precaution. Previously, 27 people had died in a similar building collapse.

Humayun Khan emphasised that Lyari is an old neighbourhood, home to many unsafe structures. He urged residents not to rely solely on authorities but to inspect their own homes, and if needed, carry out timely repairs. He appealed to residents to report hazardous buildings to the Deputy Commissioner or nearest police station, warning against risking lives for the sake of cheap housing.

Following the collapse, Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani also arrived at the scene. Speaking to the media, he admitted government failure in preventing illegal construction, citing limitations in the SBCA law. He said, "legal amendments are being prepared to take criminal action against those involved in constructing, buying, and selling illegal buildings. He stressed that illegal buildings disrupt vital systems like water supply and sewerage, worsening urban infrastructure. Stopping illegal construction, he said, would help resolve many of these cascading issues.

Ghani acknowledged the difficulty residents face in leaving their homes, stating, "We understand your attachment, but your life must come first."

Assistant Commissioner Keamari Subdivision Nadeem Aurangzeb said, "there are 107 dangerous buildings in Lyari, and a committee is collecting detailed inspection data. Once the report is complete in 15 days, the government will develop a comprehensive policy.

He confirmed that immediate arrangements are being made for the displaced residents. Out of 14 most dangerous buildings, nine have already been evacuated.