School roof collapse kills at least 28, injures more than 3 dozen in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A private school's roof collapsed in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, resulting in at least 27 child fatalities and over 30 injuries, according to a hospital spokesman. Rescuers are currently sifting through the rubble in the capital city of Peshawar, searching for any individuals still trapped. Several children remained entangled under the debris, as reported by Bilal Faizi, an emergency services spokesperson.

A hospital official, Mohammad Asim, confirmed the casualties, noting that many of the injured are in critical condition. All victims were aged 13 or younger, as confirmed by the hospital. The hospital swiftly declared an emergency to promptly treat the wounded. As medical staff worked tirelessly to care for the injured, rescuers rushed to remove debris to access those trapped.

Eyewitnesses reported that residents were among the first responders to reach the school, situated in a densely populated area of central Peshawar. Upon arrival, rescue workers methodically cleared away rubble, striving to reach the children and staff in peril.