39 children rescued, nine rushed to the hospital out of which two are said to be in critical condition. PHOTO: FILE
Rescue 1122 officials reached the site and managed to retrieve all the children including a teacher trapped under the debris.
PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRABAccording to reports the school had about 150 students studying when the roof of grade three collapsed. While 39 children received first aid immediately, nine children were rushed to a local hospital out of which two are reportedly in critical condition due to head injuries.
Read: Tragedy strikes: Couple killed in roof collapse
District Coordination Officer (DCO) Multan reached the site following which the principal of the school, Akbar Nazir was taken into custody.
DCO Multan. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB
Principal Akbar Nazir. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRABDCO Multan directed thorough investigation into the incident while stating "Everyone responsible will be taken to task."
However, the furious mob hindered the shift of Nazir to the police station as they wanted him to be handed over to them for putting the lives of their innocent children in danger.
Initial investigations revealed that during the construction of a plaza adjacent to the school, the main grid supporting the roof was dismantled by the workers which weakened the structure, resulting in the collapse.
"The school should have been evacuated while the renovation was under process, DCO Multan said."
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has sought an immediate report from Schools Secretary Punjab about the incident, following which Pakistan Army reached the site for a detailed examination.
Soon after the incident, Nazir's statement was recorded and was released until further investigation, however he was ordered to remain in the district.
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