28 children, female teacher killed in Peshawar school roof collapse

The administration of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), which initially reported four deaths, later confirmed that the bodies of 28 children had been brought to the hospital. It said 20 children were also injured in the incident.

The body of a female teacher was also brought to the hospital, the administration said.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed said more than 40 people had been injured in the collapse. He added that the school owner had been arrested.

Rescue teams launched an operation to search the debris for children and school staff who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Provincial Education Secretary Inayatullah Waseem directed the managing director of the Private Schools Regulatory Authority to submit a report on the incident by Friday.

He also expressed condolences to the families of the children and teacher who died.

Officials express grief

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed sorrow over the incident and sought a report from the relevant authorities. He also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured children.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and prayed for those killed. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to provide them with all possible medical assistance.

The prime minister further instructed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations at the site.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the deaths of the children had left him deeply saddened. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed grief over the incident and called for rescue efforts to be accelerated. He urged officials to recover anyone still trapped beneath the debris and ensure effective treatment for the injured at LRH.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor’s adviser on information and public relations, Samar Haroon Bilour, also expressed sorrow and directed authorities to provide the injured children with the best possible medical care.