Tragedy Strikes in Lyari: Building Collapse Raises Urgent Concerns
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in the Lyari neighborhood of Karachi early Friday morning when a five-storey residential building collapsed, leading to the tragic loss of at least 16 lives, including three women and a child. This shocking event has not only brought grief to the affected families but also raised critical concerns about building safety regulations in the area.
As emergency responders worked tirelessly, they managed to rescue nine injured survivors. However, the situation remains dire as officials fear that 25 to 30 more people could still be trapped under the rubble. Located in the Baghdadi area, this building was home to six families, each occupying three apartments per floor.
What’s even more alarming is that this structure was deemed unsafe three years ago. Despite the warnings, residents stayed put, and authorities failed to take decisive action to enforce evacuations. The urgency of the situation has now led officials to evacuate two nearby buildings—one two-storey and another seven-storey—as a precautionary measure. In light of the collapse, power and gas supplies to the affected building have been cut off to prevent any additional hazards.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi highlighted that the rescue operations might take up to 24 hours, urging residents of other unsafe buildings to leave voluntarily. “We cannot force people out of their homes,” he explained, indicating the complexity surrounding this issue. He also mentioned a forthcoming meeting with the Sindh Building Control Authority to discuss illegal constructions in the city.
Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Khoso revealed that officials had previously issued notices to the building’s residents in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Out of 107 dangerous buildings in the district, 21 have been classified as highly hazardous, with 14 already vacated. Khoso underscored the need for a thorough investigation, stating, “It would be premature to assign blame at this stage.”
This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for both residents and authorities. Safety regulations must be taken seriously, and proactive steps should be enforced to ensure that lives are not put at risk.
As we come to terms with this tragic event, it is crucial to engage in conversations about building safety and community awareness. If you’re interested in discussing these topics further and exploring solutions, we invite you to connect with us at Pro21st. Your voice matters, and together, we can advocate for a safer environment for all.
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