Thirty-five people, including 34 children and a female teacher, were killed and dozens injured when the roof of a private school collapsed in Peshawar’s Dir Colony. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about school safety, building standards and the oversight of educational institutions.
The incident took place on Thursday morning, when the children were in the school. Several students were buried under the rubble after the roof collapsed. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and evacuated the victims and shifted the injured to hospital. A large number of children were taken to Lady Reading Hospital, while the condition of some of the injured was said to be critical.
According to the police, the owner of the school has been arrested. Initial investigations have revealed the weak structure of the building and the alleged use of substandard materials in its construction. Officials say the real causes of the accident and possible negligence will be determined after the investigation.
According to the initial report, the roof of the upper floor of the building was in a dilapidated condition, and its weakness may have increased due to recent rains. The report also states that temporary supports were provided to some parts of the building. Independent verification of these points and determination of responsibility will now be an important part of the investigation. Officials have declared the affected building unsafe and have banned the use of various parts of it.
The Deputy Commissioner has formed an inquiry committee to find out the causes of the accident, while the education department has also sought a report. The investigation must examine matters related to the construction of the building, school registration, safety inspection and administrative supervision.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of life and directed the concerned authorities to ensure the best medical care and relief operations for the injured. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has also sought a report on the incident.
This accident has once again highlighted the basic responsibilities related to the safety of children in schools. It is necessary that the investigation be completed in a transparent manner, those responsible for negligence be identified and regular safety inspections of the buildings of educational institutions across the province be conducted so that no other family has to face such a tragedy.
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