Weak Structure Blamed as Pakistan School Roof Collapses in Peshawar, Killing Almost 30 Young Students and Teacher
Deadly collapse at school
The roof of the Al-Khair Education Center collapsed Thursday in Peshawar’s southwest Dir district, killing at least 29 people, according to Asim and other local officials. The dead included students and a teacher.
District emergency officer Iftikhar Khan said rescuers had removed at least 45 children, according to Reuters. The available accounts did not specify how many of those children survived.
School served local families
Hussain said the school mainly served children from low-income families. Signs outside the building indicated classes were offered to both boys and girls.
Rescue access and building concerns
Hussain said the narrow street made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the scene quickly. He also described the grief among parents and families as unbearable. Peshawar police chief Mian Saeed said the building structure was weak. According to Reuters, Saeed said construction had added weight to the roof and contributed to the collapse.
Key points
- Local officials said at least 29 people died in the school roof collapse.
- The school was the Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar’s southwest Dir district.
- Emergency officer Iftikhar Khan said at least 45 children had been taken out.
- Police chief Mian Saeed blamed construction on a weak structure.