KARACHI – A five-storey residential building collapsed in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to several others.
Rescue operations are underway as fears remain that more individuals may still be trapped under the rubble.
According to rescue officials, the structure completely crumbled to the ground, affecting six families who were residing in the building.
So far, six injured individuals have been pulled from the debris, with one reported in critical condition. A nearby two-storey building connected to the collapsed structure has also been evacuated as a precaution.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by narrow streets, which are making it difficult to bring in heavy machinery. Delays are also being caused by blocked access routes, though local residents have joined in rescue efforts on a self-help basis.
A 40-year-old woman with multiple fractures and injuries has been admitted to Karachi’s Trauma Centre (Civil Hospital), according to hospital authorities.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident, calling for an immediate report. He has directed the Building Control Authority to provide urgent details of all unsafe structures in the city and ordered swift identification of hazardous buildings.
He emphasized that negligence will not be tolerated and that the protection of human lives must remain a top priority.
A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the recent building collapse in Karachi, according to a spokesperson from the Local Government Department. The committee has been given a three-day deadline to identify any officers who showed negligence in their duties.
Following the incident, the Minister for Local Government has ordered the suspension of officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) who were responsible for the oversight.
In a related development, the Deputy Commissioner of Karachi stated that an inquiry is underway to determine why residents of the dangerously dilapidated building were not issued timely evacuation notices.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. Both leaders have directed the Sindh government to expedite rescue and relief operations for those affected by the collapse.
This is a developing story…
