14 pupils dead after roof of tuition centre collapses in Lahore

LAHORE -- A tragic incident occurred in the Kahna area of Lahore, where the roof of a tuition center collapsed, claiming the lives of 14 children.

Punjab's Health Minister confirmed the death toll of 14 children. According to Rescue officials, around 20 to 25 children, along with a female teacher, were present inside the tuition center at the time of the incident.

Rescue authorities said they received the emergency call at approximately 4:45 p.m. They successfully rescued five to six children from the debris. After receiving first aid, two children were discharged from the hospital, while four others remain under treatment. Officials said their condition is stable and they are out of danger.

Local residents said the children had come to the academy for after-school tuition classes. According to police, construction work was underway on the upper floor of the building, while the children were attending classes on the ground floor. Five individuals associated with operating the tuition center have been taken into custody. Police said a thorough investigation is underway and all facts surrounding the incident will be brought to light.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the roof collapse at the tuition center in Kahna. He offered prayers for the departed children and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. The Prime Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to ensure they receive the best possible medical care.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the roof collapse at the tuition center in Kahna and sought a detailed report from the relevant authorities. She also directed officials to provide the injured children with the highest standard of medical treatment.

"Our first priority is rescuing children from the rubble": Uzma Bukhari

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari said the tuition center was being operated from a residential house. She stated that the deteriorating building had been used to teach children despite being structurally unsafe and that necessary repairs had not been carried out.