School roof collapse in Pakistan kills 34 children and a teacher

A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan on Thursday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 34 children and a teacher, according to police and rescue officials. The incident occurred just as children aged between seven and 12 were beginning their classes. Several children were buried under the rubble, and it took several hours for dozens of rescuers, aided by machinery, to recover the bodies and evacuate the injured, reported rescue official Bilal Faizi.

Initial estimates suggested over 100 children were present at the school when the collapse took place. The school was situated in a densely populated area with narrow streets, which complicated the rescue operation, Faizi added. As of the hospital's count, at least 35 bodies and 53 injured children were brought to the city's main Ready Leading Hospital.

Among the deceased were six girls, a female teacher, and 28 boys. Several children were struck by steel rods and were in critical condition, prompting concerns that the death toll could climb further.