14 Children Killed After Roof Collapses at Tutoring Centre in Pakistan

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Lahore : Fourteen children were killed after the roof of a private tutoring centre collapsed in Lahore on Tuesday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into possible negligence.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the children, aged between five and 16, along with a 30-year-old female teacher from the rubble. Most of the children who died were under the age of nine.

Preliminary findings indicate that the tutoring centre was operating without registration inside a privately owned residential building with a deteriorating roof, according to Punjab government officials. The centre was being used for after-school lessons, which are common across Pakistan.

Witnesses said workers were repairing roof tiles when the structure suddenly gave way while children were attending classes inside. Rescue workers, assisted by local residents, searched through the debris to pull out those trapped.

Police have taken two people into custody and are collecting evidence as part of the investigation. Authorities said legal action would be taken if negligence or safety violations are found.

Lahore Commissioner Marryam Khan said a transparent and immediate inquiry had been ordered to determine responsibility. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure the injured receive the necessary medical treatment.

Building and roof collapses occur frequently in Pakistan due to poor construction standards and inadequate safety measures. Last year, a five-storey residential building collapsed in Karachi, killing 27 people and injuring 10 others.