Lahore tuition centre roof collapse: Rescue operation concludes, 14 children dead

LAHORE, June 30: Rescue teams have completed the operation at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area where 14 children were killed after the roof of the building collapsed on Tuesday, ARY News reported.

According to officials, around 35 children were attending classes when the roof suddenly caved in. Rescue 1122 teams, assisted by local residents, carried out an hours-long operation and rescued 20 injured children and one teacher.

Victims identified

The Medical Superintendent (MS) of THQ Kahna Hospital confirmed the identities of eight of the deceased children:

• 16-year-old Khadija
• 7-year-old Mah Noor
• 7-year-old Ramsha Khan
• 5-year-old Murtaza
• 6-year-old Tabisha
• 9-year-old Ghulam Nabi
• 6-year-old Salman
• 8-year-old Fawad

Hospital officials have confirmed that the death toll has risen to 14. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been officially released.

Injured children

Twelve injured children are under treatment at THQ Kahna Hospital. Five children and one woman are reported to be out of danger. The injured include 8-year-old Abia, 10-year-old Faria, 11-year-old Murtaza, 8-year-old Eyan, 7-year-old Rabia and 30-year-old Hamidah Rehman.

Police action

Police have arrested two brothers, Rehan and Faizan, who own the tuition centre, while a third brother is being searched for. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said five people have been taken into custody in connection with alleged negligence.

What caused the collapse?

According to the initial investigation, construction work was underway on the roof of the single-storey building. Soil and other construction material had been placed on the roof, increasing the load and causing it to collapse.

Officials said the tuition centre had been operating at the location for the past year.

Government response

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Khan declared an emergency at nearby hospitals following the incident. He directed medical staff to ensure the injured children receive immediate treatment and said no negligence would be tolerated.

Rescue 1122 statement

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said all available resources, including heavy machinery, were used during the operation to remove the debris and rescue those trapped inside.

The incident left the area in mourning, with grieving parents and relatives gathering at the site and hospitals as authorities completed the rescue operation.