School roof collapses in Pakistan, killing at least 17 children

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 08:28 · Archive

A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 17 children and a teacher.

A private school roof collapsed in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, on Thursday during lessons. The death toll differs across reports, with outlets citing between 17 and 27 children killed, along with at least one teacher. Several children remained trapped under the rubble as emergency services worked to clear debris and reach survivors.

More than 40 people were injured in the collapse, according to reports. Mohammad Asim, a hospital official, confirmed the casualties and said some injured were in critical condition. The children killed or injured were aged between seven and 13 years old. Rescue teams worked through the ruins searching for more survivors amid the ongoing search and rescue operation.

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zidari expressed his 'profound shock and grief' over the incident in a statement released on social media. He extended 'heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of those martyred' and called for a 'comprehensive investigation' to establish why the collapse occurred and to 'ensure the safety standards of educational institution buildings to prevent such tragic events in the future'.

Building collapses are common in Pakistan, where construction standards are often poorly enforced. Many structures are built with substandard materials and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs. The incident follows several similar disasters in recent months: in July, a roof collapsed at a tutoring centre under construction in Lahore, killing four schoolchildren. Earlier in July, a roof collapsed at a government school near Umerkot, killing three girls. In June, 14 children were killed when the roof of a private tutoring facility collapsed in Lahore.

How it is being reported

• Dozens of students killed alongside teacher as school roof collapses in PakistanAsim Khan from Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital confirmed the toll to AFP, adding that more than 30 people were injured, with six believed to be in a critical condition.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 08:33
• School roof collapse kills at least 18 people, injures more than 3 dozen in PakistanThe roof of a private school collapsed in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least 10 children and injuring more than two dozen others, an emergency services official said.New York Post · 15 Oct, 08:11
• School roof collapse in Pakistan's Peshawar kills at least 17 studentsLocal authorities said at least 17 people were killed in the disaster and 12 injured. Roof collapses have become increasingly common in Pakistan.DW News · 15 Oct, 08:11
• At least 21 pupils and teacher killed in horror school roof collapse in PakistanMore than 40 children have also been taken to hospital after being injured in the incident in the Pakistan's Peshawar city, with all victims aged under 13The Mirror · 15 Oct, 08:07
• School roof collapse kills teacher and at least 27 children in northwest PakistanBuilding collapses are common in Pakistan, where construction standards are often poorly enforced.Euronews · 15 Oct, 07:58
• At least 17 children killed in Pakistan school collapseAt least 17 children and their teacher are dead after a school roof collapsed in Pakistan.Sky News · 15 Oct, 07:21
• At least 10 children killed in Pakistan school collapseAt least 10 children are dead after a school roof collapsed in Pakistan.Sky News · 15 Oct, 07:21

In this story: Pakistan · Peshawar · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · Asif Ali Zidari · Lahore · Umerkot

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem