Peshawar School Roof Collapse Claims 32 Lives, Injures Many

On Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred at the Al-Khair Centre, a three-storey private school in Dir Colony, Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 pupils and their teacher. The victims, all believed to be under 13 years of age, were buried under debris after the roof collapsed, causing two storeys to crumple.

An injured teacher, Mahwish Zaman, recounted regaining consciousness in the hospital after the collapse. Lady Reading Hospital's spokesperson, Mohammad Asim, reported that most casualties were brought in dead, with around 20 others injured, some critically.

Rescue efforts confirmed that all trapped individuals had been freed. Peshawar police chief Saeed Ahmed stated that the school's owner had been arrested due to the building's structural weaknesses, and legal action would be pursued against those responsible for negligence.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed sorrow and directed officials to ensure quality care for the injured. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation into safety standards.