The tragic building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari has claimed 17 lives. On Saturday, rescue teams recovered four more bodies from the debris.
Among the dead are 7 women and 8 men. Their lifeless bodies were pulled from the ruins of the five-storey structure.
Eight people survived the building collapse, including a three-month-old baby. All were found injured and taken to safety.
Officials believe that around 10 individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble. The search continues. Rescue workers are using advanced tools like live locators and sound detectors. These devices help detect movement or voices under the wreckage.
The impact of the structural failure also caused a nearby staircase to fall. Authorities have now evacuated a neighboring seven-storey building. Engineers warned of serious damage and potential collapse.
Twelve families had been living in the crumbled building. Rescue teams say the building was overcrowded. The adjoining building also suffered visible cracks and damage.
Witnesses said the structure had been falling apart for months. Visible signs of damage were ignored. No action was taken, despite repeated warnings.
SSP Arif Aziz, speaking to the press, blamed crowd interference for delays in the rescue. Large gatherings blocked the way for ambulances and slowed relief efforts.
He said that unsafe buildings in Lyari would now be vacated with help from the district administration.
The Sindh government has taken urgent notice of the building collapse. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the disaster.
This committee will identify those responsible for the building disaster. It has three days to report its findings to the Local Government Minister.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate report. He also told SBCA to submit a full list of Karachi’s dangerous and aging buildings.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed deep concern. He directed rescue teams to speed up their work and ensure no one is left behind.
The Lyari building collapse has once again exposed the risks posed by old and decaying structures in the city. Authorities are now under pressure to act before another crumbling building leads to more lives lost.