LAHORE: At least 14 children were killed on Tuesday when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, sending the nation into mourning and prompting authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the incident.
Rescue officials said more than 30 children were on their way to classes when the building’s roof suddenly collapsed, trapping the students under several tonnes of debris. Rescue 1122 teams, police personnel and local residents rushed to the spot and launched a massive operation to pull out survivors from the rubble.
The injured children were shifted to nearby hospitals, where doctors declared an emergency to handle the influx of patients. The Punjab health minister confirmed that 14 children lost their lives, while several others were injured. Hospital officials said some of the injured were under medical observation, though most were said to be out of danger.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as parents searched for information about their children outside tuition centres and hospitals. Rescue workers spent hours removing debris to ensure no one was trapped under the collapsed structure.
Initial investigations suggest that construction work was underway on the upper part of the building while tuition classes were being held on the ground floor. Police officials are investigating whether structural weaknesses, construction methods, or negligence caused the collapse. Authorities have detained the building’s owner and contractor for questioning as part of the investigation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical facilities to the injured children and demanded a transparent inquiry into the incident.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed grief over the tragedy and sought an immediate report from the relevant departments. He directed officials to hold those responsible accountable if any violations or negligence of building codes are found during the investigation.
The heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted concerns about building safety standards and the enforcement of building codes in educational facilities. Experts believe that strict inspections and compliance with structural safety codes are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Pakistan has been plagued by periodic roof and building collapses, often linked to substandard construction materials, unauthorised structural modifications, and inadequate enforcement of building codes. Safety advocates have urged authorities to conduct comprehensive inspections of schools, tutoring centres, and other educational institutions to ensure that students are learning in a safe environment.
As the relief efforts ended, grieving families prepared to bury their loved ones, demanding justice and accountability. Authorities have assured the public that an investigation will determine the root cause of the collapse and that those found responsible will face legal action.
The Lahore tuition centre tragedy has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, with citizens expressing condolences and calling for stricter monitoring to ensure that educational institutions remain safe places for children.
