11 killed as three-storey Lahore house collapse shocks families
At least 11 people lost their lives and six others were injured after a three-storey house collapsed in Lahore’s Harbanspura area late on Wednesday. Rescue teams completed the operation after recovering the body of a young girl from the debris.
According to officials, three brothers and their families were living in the building. Their sister and her children had also come to attend a birthday celebration before the building suddenly collapsed.
Authorities said the structure fell floor by floor, starting from the top. The exact reason behind the collapse has not yet been confirmed.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz has ordered an inquiry to determine what caused the building to collapse. The investigation will examine whether structural weaknesses or other factors were involved.
Rescue 1122 teams, with support from the district administration, carried out the rescue operation. Heavy machinery was also used to remove debris and speed up the recovery process.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about building safety in Punjab. It comes nearly a month after a roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area killed 14 children.
Police had registered a case against the tuition centre owners and the building contractor after that incident. Investigators said soil had been placed on the damaged roof, and the additional weight caused it to collapse.
Earlier this year, another roof collapse at a private school in Dera Ghazi Khan claimed the lives of four children and injured 20 others. An investigation found that construction work was underway and building materials placed on the roof had increased the load beyond its capacity.
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These repeated incidents have highlighted concerns about construction standards and building maintenance. Officials are expected to review the findings of the latest inquiry before deciding on further action.
The latest building collapse has renewed public concern over the safety of old and poorly maintained structures. Experts believe strict inspections and better enforcement of construction rules could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
