Lyari building collapse: Death toll reaches 14, several others still trapped

KARACHI: The death toll in the tragic collapse of the building in the Lyari area of Karachi has reached 16, with several others still trapped under the debris of the building, as the search and rescue operation continued through the night into Saturday.

Authorities estimate that 10 to 12 people may still be trapped under the rubble.

So far, the rescuers have recovered 14 bodies, six women and ten men, from the debris, whereas three people are undergoing treatment.

Earlier, rescue officials said that rescue operations started as soon as the information about the building collapse was received, and 6 people were rescued in an injured condition.

Rescue officials say that over 40 people were living in the building, and efforts are being made to rescue more people buried under the rubble.

Heavy machinery is continuing to remove the debris, while a 2-story building adjacent to the collapsed building has also been evacuated.

According to rescue officials, the arrival of heavy machinery is also being delayed due to the closure of roads, while locals are also busy with relief operations on their own.

Rescue teams said that the search operation that has continued for over 20 hours may take seven to eight more hours.

Speaking to the media during his visit to the incident site late Friday night, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi advised the residents of the damaged buildings to move to another place to avoid any mishap.

“We cannot forcefully evict anyone,” the commissioner said, adding that he will hold a meeting with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on the issue of illegal construction.

Sindh Chief Minister’s Notice

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while taking notice of the building collapse incident in Lyari, directed that an immediate report be submitted regarding the accident.

The Sindh Chief Minister, while seeking immediate details of the dilapidated buildings from the Building Control Authority officials, said that dangerous buildings should be identified immediately, negligence will not be tolerated, and the protection of human lives is a priority.

The Governor of Sindh also expressed concern over the building collapse incident and directed that immediate medical assistance be provided to the injured.