Karachi( The COW News Digital) A five-storey residential building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area early Friday morning, leaving at least 14 people dead and several others feared trapped under the rubble. The tragic incident occurred in the densely populated Baghdadi neighborhood, sparking a large-scale rescue operation that remains ongoing.
According to rescue officials, the deceased include three women and one child, while nine individuals have been rescued with injuries. Authorities fear that between 25 to 30 people could still be buried beneath the debris.
Rescue teams reached the site shortly after the collapse and began urgent search and recovery efforts using heavy machinery. However, mobile network disruptions have hampered communication and coordination during the operation. Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi stated that the operation could take up to 24 hours to complete.
Emergency responders have disconnected gas and electricity lines to prevent further hazards. Adjacent buildings, including a two-storey and a seven-storey structure, have also been evacuated as a safety precaution.
It has emerged that the collapsed building had been declared structurally unsafe three years ago. Despite official warnings and multiple notices issued in 2022, 2023, and 2024, neither the residents vacated the premises nor did the authorities take meaningful action. The building housed six families, with each floor divided into three separate units.
Commissioner Naqvi urged residents of other dilapidated buildings to relocate voluntarily, noting that forced evacuations are legally complex. “A meeting will be held with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regarding the increasing number of illegal and unsafe structures in the city,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Khoso, revealed that a recent survey had identified 107 dangerous buildings in the district, of which 21 were considered highly risky. “We have already evacuated 14 of those, but the process remains challenging,” he said, adding that it’s too early to place blame on any individual or department.
This incident has once again highlighted the persistent issue of illegal construction, poor enforcement of building codes, and administrative negligence in Karachi. Citizens and civil society organizations have called for immediate accountability and urgent reforms to prevent further tragedies.
The city administration has vowed to conduct a full investigation and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
