In brief
A private tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna suburb suffered a fatal roof collapse that killed 14 children, most aged between seven and eleven. Rescue teams reached the scene within an hour and evacuated survivors, treating five injured people. Authorities detained two individuals amid a preliminary investigation into the structural failure during roof repairs. The incident prompted condolences from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who called for swift medical care and legal accountability.
Roof collapse kills 14 children at a Pakistan tuition centre
Fourteen young students, most between seven and eleven years old, lost their lives when the roof of a private tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna suburb fell onto them, authorities say.
Emergency crews received a call at 16:45 local time and reached the building within an hour, rescuing several children and treating five injured ones. Two people have been detained as part of the preliminary investigation into the collapse.
The incident occurred while roof tiles were being repaired. A nearby resident, Zaheer, 45, told AFP that workers had been placing heavy weight on the roof during the process, leading to the catastrophic failure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences, promising swift medical assistance for the wounded and urging accountability for those responsible. Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif called the tragedy “heartbreaking” and pledged to prosecute anyone found liable.
