School roof collapse in Pakistan kills at least 29 people

Pix: Al Jazeera

At least 28 students and a teacher were killed and more than 50 others injured, when the roof of a private school collapsed today (15) morning in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities stated.

A spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital, Mohammad Asim confirmed the casualties and stated that some of the wounded remain in critical condition. All the children killed or injured were age 13 or younger, he noted. The hospital has declared an emergency as medical staff treat the wounded.

Reports state that the school had approximately 350 registered students, adding that casualties could rise as dozens of the wounded remain hospitalized in serious condition. Authorities have ordered an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

Reacting to the tragedy, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar shared a statement on X, “Our children are our most precious asset, and every such loss is a tragedy for the entire country. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the bereaved families.”

He added, “The prime minister and the government have taken serious note of the situation. Ensuring the safety and protection of our children must remain paramount.” (Newswire)

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