At least 14 schoolchildren were killed and 20 others injured after the roof of a private tuition centre operating inside an under-construction building collapsed in Pakistan’s Lahore on Tuesday. Rescue teams are continuing search operations amid fears that more children may still be trapped under the debris.
Roof collapsed during class
According to police, the incident took place in the densely populated Kahna Nau area of Lahore. More than 30 children, aged between seven and 13 years, were attending classes at the academy when the roof suddenly gave way, trapping them beneath the rubble.
The injured children, along with a female teacher, were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Ambulances from the Edhi Foundation remain at the site as rescue operations continue.
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Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that 14 bodies had been recovered from the debris so far.
‘The building was partially under construction, and labourers were working on the site when the roof collapsed,’ Kamran told reporters. He added that the contractor responsible for the construction has been arrested, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Death toll may rise
Tariq Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of the Lahore District Education Authority, said the tuition centre was being run by a local woman inside the building.
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The Edhi Foundation said the academy was located in Eid Gah Colony in the Kahna Nau area. It warned that the death toll could increase as some children are still believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Punjab CM orders action
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the tragedy and directed the police and district administration to identify those responsible for the alleged negligence. She instructed officials to register a case against those found accountable and ensure strict legal action.
Meanwhile, provincial health authorities declared an emergency at Lahore General Hospital. Senior hospital officials, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been instructed to provide immediate medical treatment and the best possible care to the injured.
First published on: Jul 01, 2026 06:43 AM IST
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