PESHAWAR: In a tragic incident caused by heavy torrential rains, a private school building collapsed in the Dir Colony area of the provincial capital, claiming the lives of 21 people, including innocent children.
According to reports, the disaster occurred due to the dilapidated condition of the structure and the relentless pressure of recent heavy rains. Eyewitnesses and initial reports indicate that the upper portion of the school gave way first, followed by the immediate collapse of the entire building, trapping students and teachers beneath the debris.
Emergency Declared at Lady Reading Hospital
Muhammad Asim, a spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), informed the media that an emergency has been declared at the hospital, where 21 bodies have been brought so far. The deceased mostly comprise young children (up to 13 years of age) and a female teacher. Additionally, 17 injured children are currently receiving medical treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll may rise further.
Rescue Operations and Relief Activities
Rescue 1122 personnel sprang into action immediately upon receiving news of the incident. According to Rescue spokesperson Muhammad Bilal, approximately 16 ambulances and heavy machinery are present at the scene. Backed by local volunteers and the administration, the rescue operation to clear the rubble and extract trapped individuals is ongoing. The heartbreaking incident has cast a pall of deep grief and panic across the entire area.
Government Takes Notice
Taking serious note of the gravity of the situation, Secretary of Education Inayatullah has immediately intervened. He has strictly directed the Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to visit the site right away, gather all evidence, and submit a comprehensive report detailing the causes of the tragedy as soon as possible.
