A tuition centre buzzing with students turned into a death trap in moments. At least 14 children died after the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore, a city in eastern Pakistan. Several other children were grievously injured in the accident.
According to rescue agency ‘Rescue 1122’, the incident occurred on Tuesday in Lahore’s Kahna area. Many children were attending classes at the tuition centre at the time. When the classroom roof suddenly caved in, several students were trapped under the debris.
Rescue agency spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said the deaths of 14 children have been confirmed. The condition of nearly 10 other children remains critical. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further.
Meanwhile, the rescue team is continuing operations to confirm whether anyone else remains trapped under the rubble.
On the other hand, Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General of Lahore Police’s Operations Wing, said the contractor who built the recently constructed building has been arrested. According to him, a section of the building was still under construction and workers were present on site at the time of the accident.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the incident. While conveying condolences to the families of the deceased children, the Prime Minister has directed concerned authorities to ensure advanced medical treatment for the injured.
