The roof of a private school in Peshawar caved in on Wednesday. At least 18 people died in the tragedy. Most of the victims were young students.
What happened
The collapse took place at Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar. It happened during school hours on October 15. A large part of the building roof came down without warning.
Children were inside their classrooms at the time. Teachers tried to lead them out as dust filled the air. Panic spread as parents rushed to the school gates.
Local people were the first to reach the site. They pulled children from the rubble with their bare hands. Police and rescue teams arrived soon after.
Rescue operation
Rescue 1122 teams worked through the night. They used heavy machines to lift broken concrete slabs. Sniffer dogs helped find trapped children under the debris.
Hospitals in Peshawar declared an emergency. Doctors treated dozens of injured students. Several children were in critical condition, officials said.
The exact death toll is still not clear. According to Reuters, 17 students and one teacher were killed. Later reports said more than 30 children may have died.
Officials warned the number could rise further. Some children were still missing on Thursday morning. Rescue work continued at the site without pause.
Owner arrested, probe ordered
Police arrested the owner of the school. They also detained the building contractor for questioning. A case was registered against them.
President Asif Ali Zardari ordered a full investigation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sought a detailed report on the incident. Both leaders expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government formed an inquiry committee. The team will check the building structure and its safety record. It will submit its findings within days, officials said.
Questions over school safety
The tragedy has raised serious questions about private schools. Many operate in old or weak buildings. Safety checks are rare, parents say.
Building experts say roofs must be inspected every year. Heavy rain can weaken old structures further. Peshawar saw rain in recent weeks.
Parents demanded strict action against the school management. They want safety audits of all private schools in the city. The government promised new safety rules soon.
Grief across the country
Funeral prayers were held for the young victims. Whole neighbourhoods mourned the dead children. Schools across Peshawar stayed closed on Thursday.
Leaders from all parties shared messages of condolence. Many called it a national tragedy. Social media filled with prayers for the grieving families.
Voices of the families
Outside the hospital, parents waited for news of their children. Many had tears in their eyes. Some held photos of their sons and daughters.
One father said his eight-year-old son loved school. He had dropped him off in the morning. He never saw him alive again.
A mother of two said both her children were in the same building. One survived with injuries. The other did not make it out.
Families praised the rescue workers for their hard work. But many asked why the school was so unsafe. They want those responsible to face the law.
Government promises action
The KP government announced compensation for the families. Each bereaved family will get financial help. Injured children will get free treatment.
Officials promised to inspect all private schools in Peshawar. Weak buildings will be sealed at once. No school will reopen without a safety certificate.
Education experts welcomed the step but asked for follow-through. Promises were made after past tragedies too. Real change needs strict and honest checks.
The collapse is one of the worst school accidents in recent years. Families now wait for answers and justice. The investigation will decide who is responsible for the young lives lost.
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