At least 21 killed as school roof collapses in Peshawar

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A school roof collapse in Peshawar's Afridi Abad locality claimed at least 21 lives, including 20 students and a female teacher, on Thursday. Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed the fatalities, and declared an emergency at the hospital. Earlier, Asim stated that 17 students had perished, all aged 13 or younger, and that another 17 injured students were brought to the medical facility.

The incident occurred while students were in their classroom, as reported by the Peshawar Deputy Commissioner's office. Rescue efforts were underway, with personnel working to remove debris and recover the victims. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi earlier reported that around 20 people, including students and teachers, were transported to hospitals, with four fatalities attributed to the incident.

Roof and building collapses are a recurring issue in Pakistan, often stemming from inadequate safety standards and the use of substandard construction materials.