Five killed, nine injured as building collapses in Karachi

KARACHI: At least five people were killed and more than nine others injured as a dilapidated building collapsed in Liaquatabad area of Karachi, ARY News reported.

Five of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

Though extra rescue vehicles had arrived but because of narrow streets only one vehicle could work at a time as search for four to five missing persons, who are feared to be stuck under the debris, was still underway, said ARY News reporter Salman Lodhi.

Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) said the ground plus two-storey building caved in due to constant seeping of water through walls for several days.

“The water seepage had created cracks in the walls, therefore, one part of the 90 sq yd bifurcated building collapsed in the wee hours of Tuesday,” said a resident of the area.

Funeral prayer of Faisal, one of the victims, and his father was offered the same day in the afternoon.

On directive of the Sindh minister for local governments, Director General SBCA Agha Maqsood Abbas has constituted an inquiry committee to present an investigation report regarding the building collapse in 15 days.

He said according to the initial report the recent intermittent rains in the metropolis more damaged the already dilapidated building.

At Liaquatabad No.09 #Karachi where building collapsed, Both our machinery & manpower working tirelessly for relief & rescue activities. pic.twitter.com/nCRAAl8wC0

— Wasim Akhtar (@wasimakhtar1955) July 18, 2017