Peshawar: A heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar, where the roof of a private school collapsed, leaving fears that several children may be trapped under the debris. The collapse, triggered by recent rains, has resulted in a death toll of 21. The victims include innocent children and a female teacher.
According to Muhammad Asim, a spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital, 21 bodies have been brought to the facility so far, and an emergency has been declared at the hospital. The spokesperson stated that all the children who lost their lives were under the age of 13; the body of a female teacher was also brought to the hospital. Additionally, 17 injured children are currently undergoing treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Muhammad Bilal, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122, stated that relief operations commenced immediately upon receiving reports of the incident, with 16 ambulances currently on-site. Preliminary information suggests that one floor of the school collapsed first, followed by the total collapse of the ground floor. The building had sustained severe damage due to recent rainfall. Rescue teams are working diligently to recover those trapped beneath the rubble, and the operation is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Education Inayatullah has taken serious notice of the incident and has directed the Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to submit a report immediately. The Secretary of Education has directed PESRA (Private Schools Regulatory Authority) officials to immediately reach the site, collect all evidence, and determine the causes of the incident. Relief operations are currently underway, and an atmosphere of fear and panic prevails in the area. The administration and local volunteers are also participating in the rescue and relief efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the tragic collapse of a private school building in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar. The Prime Minister prayed for the forgiveness and high ranks in the hereafter for all those who lost their lives, including the innocent children and a female teacher. Offering his condolences to the bereaved families, he prayed that Allah Almighty grants them the strength to bear this shock and bestows upon them the gift of patience (sabr-e-jamil).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of the children injured in the incident and directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the injured receive immediate and the best possible medical care. Furthermore, he has issued strict instructions to further accelerate the relief operations at the site.