The death toll from a building collapse in Pakistan's commercial hub of Karachi has risen to 27 as rescue operations near completion, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The five-storey apartment building in the densely populated Lyari district collapsed on Friday morning around 10:00 am, trapping numerous residents under the rubble. Lyari, once notorious for gang violence, continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and poor building oversight.
"Most of the debris has been removed," said Hassaan Khan, spokesperson for the government's 1122 emergency service. "The death toll stood at 27 this morning." Khan added that the rescue operation was expected to conclude by Sunday afternoon.
Warning Signs Ignored
Survivors reported hearing ominous cracking sounds moments before the structure gave way, sending clouds of dust and concrete into the streets. The collapse has raised serious questions about building safety enforcement in the city.
Among the grieving relatives at the site was 54-year-old Dev Raj, who stood near the wreckage on Saturday. "My daughter is under the rubble," he said tearfully. "She was my beloved daughter. She was so sensitive but is under the burden of debris. She got married just six months ago."
Authorities revealed that the building had previously been declared unsafe, with eviction notices reportedly issued between 2022 and 2024. However, some residents and landlords interviewed at the scene claimed they were never informed of these safety concerns.
Karachi's Building Safety Crisis
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Karachi, a sprawling metropolis of over 20 million people. The city has long struggled with unregulated urban expansion, overcrowded neighbourhoods, and widespread violations of construction codes.
Urban planning experts have repeatedly warned that many buildings in Karachi's older districts are at risk of collapse due to age, poor maintenance, and structural modifications made without proper engineering oversight.
The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and more transparent communication about unsafe structures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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