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🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Pakistan community holds funerals for 14 children killed in roof collapse

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Pakistani mourners buried 14 children killed when the roof of their tutoring center collapsed in Lahore.
  • Residents expressed grief and anger, questioning how an unsafe building was permitted to operate as an educational facility.
  • The incident has prompted calls for urgent structural inspections of schools and educational institutions across Pakistan.

Grief and anger gripped Lahore's Kahna neighborhood as residents buried 14 children who perished in a roof collapse at their private tutoring center. Mourners carried the children's bodies through narrow streets to a cemetery on July 1, following a night of frantic rescue efforts that gave way to profound sorrow.

For our community, this is nothing less than a catastrophe.

— Aas MuhammadA resident described the impact of the tragedy on the neighborhood.

Families and neighbors questioned how a building with apparent structural deficiencies was allowed to house an educational center. "Everyone knew that the condition of the building was very poor," said Muhammad Farooq, 30, whose daughter was among the victims. "But we had no choice." Many residents live in disadvantaged areas and sought educational opportunities for their children, despite the risks.

Everyone knew that the condition of the building was very poor. But we had no choice.

— Muhammad FarooqA father whose daughter was killed explained the difficult circumstances that led families to use the center.

The disaster has fueled demands for accountability and immediate action from authorities. "For our community, this is nothing less than a catastrophe," stated resident Aas Muhammad, 48. He appealed for thorough structural inspections of all schools and educational institutions, urging that the tragedy serve as a "wake-up call" to prevent future disasters.

I would like to appeal to all relevant government authorities to fulfil their responsibilities by carrying out thorough structural inspections of schools and other educational institutions.

— Aas MuhammadA resident called for government action to ensure the safety of educational facilities.

Roof and building collapses are a recurring issue in Pakistan, often attributed to substandard safety measures and poor construction practices. Police have taken two individuals into custody following the incident, and authorities have promised an investigation. The community's anguish is palpable, with remnants of the children's belongings still visible amidst the rubble, a stark reminder of the lives lost.

No child should ever be placed at risk simply for seeking education.

— MuhammadA statement emphasizing the right to safe education.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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