At least 20 children, teacher killed as school roof collapses in Peshawar

Rescue efforts continue as authorities fear more casualties

PESHAWAR:

At least 20 children and one female teacher were killed when a private school roof collapsed in Peshawar on Thursday, while more than 30 injured people were shifted to the hospital, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Muhammad Asim said.

An emergency was declared at LRH, with the hospital administration present in the trauma ward, the spokesperson said. The injured were being provided with immediate medical treatment, with some in critical condition, he added.

All the children were aged 13 or younger, the spokesperson said.

Rescue 1122 ambulances and disaster response vehicles arrived at the site and began rescue operations. Rescue 1122 provided first aid to more than eight injured children before shifting them to hospital.

The rescue operation was underway to search for more people trapped under the debris, with fears that the death toll could rise.

Pakistan Army personnel are assisting other rescue and relief agencies in operations to recover children and school staff trapped under the rubble and shift them to hospitals.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the roof collapse and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those killed.

The prime minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for them to have patience and strength. PM Shehbaz also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, directed that they be provided with the best possible medical treatment, and ordered the authorities to expedite rescue operations.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the children killed in the incident.

“The loss of precious lives of innocent children is an extremely painful tragedy,” he said. The governor prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children and directed the relevant authorities to provide them with the best possible medical facilities.

He also sought a detailed report from the relevant authorities on the school roof collapse and directed them to determine the cause of the incident. “May Allah Almighty grant the martyred children a place in His mercy and give their bereaved families the strength to bear this loss,” Governor Kundi said.

K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the incident, expressing great sorrow and directed the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) to personally supervise rescue operations.

He ordered the immediate and safe recovery of people trapped under the rubble and directed the Peshawar Chief Traffic Officer to establish a green corridor to ensure the uninterrupted movement of ambulances.

The IGP stressed that traffic flow on all routes leading to hospitals must be ensured and instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations and police rescue teams to utilise all available resources at the site. He said the K-P Police stood with the affected families and prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured children and teachers.

This is a developing story