Karachi: The death toll from the tragic collapse of a five-storey residential building in Karachi’s Lyari area has climbed to 22, with rescue teams recovering more bodies from the rubble on Saturday. The incident occurred early Friday morning in the Baghdadi locality, reducing the decades-old structure to debris and damaging nearby buildings.
Among the deceased are seven women and a child. Rescue officials reported that eight individuals, including three women, sustained injuries, while an estimated 10 to 12 residents may still be trapped under the wreckage. Heartbreakingly, multiple members from the same families are among the dead. Some victims have yet to be identified, although names released include 55-year-old Hoor Bai, 35-year-old Waseem, 26-year-old Rohit, and others.
Amid the devastation, a three-month-old baby was miraculously pulled out alive.
Rescue efforts led by teams from Rescue 1122, with help from local residents and heavy machinery, are ongoing but complicated by unstable debris, narrow lanes, and disrupted communication signals. Officials say around 70% of the work is complete but caution that more time is needed to clear the remaining rubble safely.
According to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), the building, constructed before 1979, housed 12 families and had been declared dangerous three years ago. Despite four official notices issued urging evacuation between 2022 and 2024, residents remained, fearing displacement without alternatives. Two adjacent buildings, a seven-storey and a two-storey structure, have now been evacuated to prevent further tragedy.
Officials demand accountability
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has demanded a detailed report and a list of all hazardous buildings, vowing that negligence will not be tolerated. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also expressed deep concern and directed rescue teams to expedite efforts.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, after visiting the site, confirmed that the SBCA had issued multiple evacuation notices. “Unfortunately, the residents did not move out,” he stated, pledging that those found responsible would face consequences. Karachi Commissioner Hasan Naqvi acknowledged delays but promised to complete rescue operations within 24 hours, adding, “We cannot forcefully remove anyone from their home.”
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso revealed that of 107 buildings surveyed recently, 21 were deemed high-risk. So far, 14 of these have been vacated. “It’s too early to assign blame,” he said. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani admitted that Karachi is dotted with many such dangerous structures and urged citizens to avoid living in illegally constructed buildings, warning of strict action against non-compliant builders.
Political and federal response
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kheel Das Kohistani visited the site and criticized the Sindh government for failing to relocate residents of hazardous buildings, calling for a transparent investigation. PTI’s Sajjad Soomro claimed the building had shown warning signs for days without intervention. Fellow PTI leader Rizwan Khanzada demanded resignations and urged PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to announce substantial compensation for victims’ families. PPP (Shaheed Bhutto Group) leader Zulfiqar Ali Jr. also condemned authorities for neglecting the city’s poor.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed deep sorrow, pledging full support to the victims. The prime minister directed officials to provide top medical care and draft strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future, as the nation mourns yet another preventable disaster.
