More than 50 people were injured in the tragedy at a private school in Dir Colony as authorities launched a rescue operation and ordered an investigation into suspected construction and safety violations.
PESHAWAR: At least 34 children and a female teacher were killed and more than 50 people injured when the roof of a private school collapsed in Peshawar on Thursday, triggering an emergency rescue operation and an investigation into suspected construction defects and safety violations.
Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Muhammad Asim said 33 bodies, including those of 32 children and one teacher, were brought to the hospital. Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Ibrahim of Naseerullah Babar Memorial Hospital confirmed that the bodies of two children were also brought there. All the children killed in the incident were aged 14 or younger.
LRH declared an emergency and deployed senior officials to supervise treatment in its trauma ward. Some injured people were reported to be in critical condition. According to the hospital’s records, 53 patients were brought to LRH, of whom 17 were discharged after observation.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Dr Mian Saeed said the school owner had been taken into custody and a case would be registered. The school, situated in the densely populated Dir Colony, occupied a three-storey building. Narrow streets around the premises hampered rescue operations.
According to the CCPO, the school had approximately 110 enrolled pupils, with around 30 children present in classrooms on the upper floor when the roof collapsed. He said the building had several deficiencies and the roof slab appeared to have been poorly constructed using thin, flat clay tiles or tapered bricks.
Saeed warned that the structure remained dangerous and could sustain further damage. Investigators will examine whether building regulations were violated and whether negligence contributed to the disaster.
Investigation ordered into school roof collapse
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed visited the site and ordered a formal investigation. He said an inquiry committee had been established and the First Information Report (FIR) would be registered by the state.
The Special Branch was also directed to identify any government departments whose negligence may have contributed to the incident. Hameed said terrorism charges could also be considered in the case against the school owner.
Rescue 1122 dispatched ambulances and disaster response vehicles, while rescue teams searched through the rubble for anyone who might still be trapped. Pakistan Army personnel joined rescue and relief agencies in recovering victims and transporting injured people to hospitals.
The IGP directed police officials to supervise rescue operations, establish a green corridor for ambulances and ensure uninterrupted traffic on routes leading to hospitals.
President, prime minister express grief
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed shock and sorrow over the deaths, extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.
He directed the authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment and assistance to affected families, emphasising the need for a comprehensive investigation and stronger safety standards in educational institutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief, directed officials to expedite rescue operations and sought a detailed report on the incident.
During a telephone conversation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the prime minister called for adequate medical facilities and assistance for the affected families. He also ordered a thorough investigation into all aspects of the collapse and directed that those found responsible should face action under the law.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the loss of children’s lives as a tragedy for the entire country. He called for immediate assistance, medical care for the injured and stronger safety measures in schools.
Governor Kundi also sought a detailed report into the incident, while Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief and urged the authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure proper treatment for the injured.
The investigation is expected to examine the building’s structural condition, construction standards and possible violations of safety regulations. Authorities will also determine whether individuals or government departments failed to fulfil their responsibilities, as calls grow for stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies in educational institutions.