Lahore, June 30, 2026: At least 14 children were killed and several others injured after the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area on Tuesday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the tragedy.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer confirmed the death toll while speaking to the media. Faisal Kamran also confirmed the casualties.
According to Rescue 1122, the search and rescue operation was completed by Tuesday evening. A spokesperson said a female teacher and eight children with multiple injuries were shifted to Lahore General Hospital (LGH), where five children remained in critical condition.
Some of the injured were initially taken to the Kahna Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital before being transferred to LGH. Hospital records indicated that the deceased children were between five and 16 years of age.
The health minister said two injured children were discharged after receiving treatment at the THQ Hospital, while four others under treatment were out of danger.
According to Khawaja Imran Nazeer, around 20 people were trapped beneath the rubble, including the 14 children who were brought dead to the THQ Hospital.
Following the completion of rescue efforts, Lahore Police said two individuals, including the owner of the building, had been taken into custody as part of the initial investigation.
DIG Faisal Kamran said investigators were collecting evidence and that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence. He added that the contractor who had recently carried out construction work on the building was also among those detained.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said the tuition centre consisted of two rooms occupied by young children when the ceilings collapsed, trapping them beneath the debris.
The Edhi Foundation, which participated in the rescue operation, said preliminary information suggested the roof had been constructed using TR girders and collapsed suddenly.
Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a privately operated tuition centre run by a local woman.
Following the incident, health authorities declared an emergency at Lahore General Hospital, directing doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to provide immediate treatment to the injured.
Roof and building collapses remain a recurring safety concern in Pakistan, often attributed to poor construction standards, inadequate enforcement of building regulations and the use of substandard materials.
On Monday, two young sisters were killed and their cousin injured when a boundary wall collapsed in Muzaffargarh district. Earlier this month, three members of a family died after the roof of an under-construction room collapsed in Jaranwala. In July last year, 27 people lost their lives when a five-storey residential building collapsed in Lyari, Karachi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered police and district authorities to identify those responsible for the collapse and initiate criminal proceedings against anyone found negligent.
Lahore Commissioner Marryam Khan said the incident would be investigated in a transparent, impartial and expeditious manner, assuring that those responsible would be held accountable.
