In brief
A roof collapse at a private tuition centre in Kahna, Lahore, killed 14 children under 10 and left five others injured. Rescue crews reached the scene at 16:45 and contained the collapse within an hour. Authorities have taken two individuals into custody as part of an ongoing investigation, citing poor roof conditions. The incident has prompted condolences from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who vowed legal accountability.
Roof collapse at a Lahore tuition centre leaves 14 children dead
A roof collapsed over a private tuition centre in the Kahna suburb of Lahore, killing 14 children under 10 and injuring five others.
Emergency responders from Rescue 1122 arrived at the school at 16:45 (12:45 BST) and completed the rescue operation within an hour. Victims recovered were mainly between seven and eleven years old.
Authorities noted the roof had been in poor condition and had been undergoing tile repairs while children studied. A 45‑year‑old resident, Zaheer, told AFP the roof collapsed after “a lot of weight” had been added.
Two people were detained as part of the initial inquiry into the collapse. The investigation will determine whether building safety regulations were violated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences, promising rapid medical assistance for the injured and urging thorough legal accountability. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif described the tragedy as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and echoed a call for justice.
Community Response
Residents expressed uncertainty over whom to contact first to offer condolences, highlighting a community in distress over the sudden loss of 14 innocent lives.
