Karachi, July 4, 2025: At least eleven people lost their lives and eight others were injured after a five-story residential building collapsed in the Baghdadi area of Lyari on Friday morning, rescue officials confirmed.
According to the Edhi Foundation and Rescue 1122, the tragic incident occurred around 10:53 AM, prompting an immediate emergency response. The injured have been shifted to the Trauma Centre at Dr Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital, where one patient remains in critical condition, while others are being treated for minor injuries.
Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of three men and one woman from the rubble, while multiple individuals, including three women, were pulled out injured in the early stages of the operation. Officials fear more people may still be trapped under the debris.
An extensive search and rescue operation is being conducted with the deployment of five disaster response vehicles, two snorkels, cranes, lifters, and over 100 personnel from Rescue 1122. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams remain at the scene, working around the clock to clear the site and locate any remaining victims.
Acting Director General of Rescue 1122, Dr Abid Jalaluddin Sheikh, arrived at the site to supervise operations, issuing special directives for enhanced coordination.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident, directing authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance to the injured and ordering the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to submit a list of all dangerous and decaying buildings in Karachi.
“Negligence will not be tolerated. Protecting human lives is our top priority,” said the Chief Minister, who also called for immediate steps to identify and address unsafe structures citywide.
Sindh Minister for Local Government, Saeed Ghani, has ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the collapse. A committee has been formed to identify those responsible for negligence and will submit its findings within three days. Relevant SBCA officials have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
An SBCA spokesperson revealed that the building had been declared dangerous 25 years ago and multiple demolition attempts were resisted by the occupants. “Despite repeated notices and enforcement efforts, our teams faced obstruction,” the official claimed.
A large crowd gathered at the site, forcing police to intervene with baton charges to disperse onlookers and maintain access for rescue operations. SSP City Arif Aziz and Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi were present at the scene to oversee efforts and ensure public safety.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, extending condolences to the victims’ families and prayers for the injured. He directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure the provision of full medical support to the injured.
The Prime Minister also called for the formulation of a comprehensive national strategy to prevent future building collapses and ensure structural safety in urban centers.
