Incident and Rescue Efforts

Rescuers were still searching through the rubble for possible survivors after the collapse, according to Reuters; the incident occurred in the Kahna area of Lahore; a witness told AFP that workers had been repairing tiles when the roof gave way. Geo News broadcast images of rescuers and civilians using shovels and their hands to dig through debris in the partially collapsed building.

Victims and Response

Medical sources said the children killed ranged in age from four to 12. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his grief over the loss of “precious lives,” according to a statement from his office. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to provide them with every possible medical assistance.

Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, also expressed his condolences. In a statement, he prayed for the recovery of the injured and emphasized the need for effective safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. He offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Building Safety Concerns

Kamran stated that the centre was housed in an ageing building and that the roof of an unfinished second floor apparently collapsed due to poor construction quality. He added that the centre was operating in an unsafe structure. Derrumbe de edificios is a common issue in Pakistan, where building codes are often poorly enforced. Many structures are built with substandard materials to cut costs, according to reports.