Tragic Roof Collapse in Lahore Claims Lives of 14 Schoolchildren

A tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore has led to the deaths of 14 schoolchildren and left 20 others injured. The incident occurred while children were attending classes in an under-construction building. Authorities have arrested the contractor and the building owner as investigations begin. The community mourns the loss of innocent lives, prompting calls for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies. This incident highlights ongoing issues with building safety standards in Pakistan, where such collapses are not uncommon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 01:11 IST

Devastating Incident at Tuition Centre

In a heartbreaking incident in Lahore, at least 14 schoolchildren lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries when the roof of a private tuition centre, situated in an under-construction building, collapsed on Tuesday. The tragedy occurred in the crowded Kahna Nau area while over 30 children, aged between seven and 13, were attending classes.

Lahore's Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, Faisal Kamran, reported that rescue teams have recovered 14 bodies from the rubble. Among the deceased are seven girls and seven boys. The injured, including a female teacher, were promptly transported to a nearby hospital.

According to Kamran, construction work was ongoing at the site when the roof gave way, leading to the arrest of the contractor. The police later confirmed that the owner of the building has also been detained as part of the investigation.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir announced that rescue operations have concluded. The tuition centre, run by a local woman, was located in a residential building in the Basti Eid Gah area. The Edhi Foundation, which assisted in the rescue efforts, noted that the roof collapsed unexpectedly.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue at General Hospital, while the injured are reported to be in stable condition. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures to avert such tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured, urging that they receive comprehensive medical care. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz called for accountability, instructing authorities to identify those responsible for the collapse and initiate legal action.

As a mother, she expressed her deep empathy for the grieving parents, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy. The provincial health authorities declared an emergency at Lahore General Hospital, mobilizing senior staff to ensure immediate care for the injured.

Reports indicate that building collapses are frequent in Pakistan, often attributed to inadequate safety regulations and substandard construction practices. A similar incident last July resulted in 27 fatalities when a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi's Lyari area.