Rescue operations continued in Karachi’s Lyari area on Saturday, where a five-storey residential building collapsed, killing at least 17 people. Officials fear that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble.
Rescue teams confirmed that three more bodies were recovered today, bringing the death toll to 17, including 10 men and 6 women. The operation is being carried out with extreme caution, as there is a high risk of further collapse and reports suggest that 10 to 12 more people could still be under the debris.
According to South Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javed Khoso, the rescue efforts may take another 8 to 10 hours. He said the operation has entered a sensitive phase. He also revealed that the building was declared dangerous three years ago, and a notice had been issued just a month and a half ago. Authorities have identified 22 highly dangerous buildings in Lyari, of which 16 have been vacated.
The building had three housing portions on each floor, according to a relative of the owner. He said the structure was always full of residents. Tragically, his cousin’s family lived on the fourth floor; one child has died, the mother was pulled out in critical condition, and three other relatives remain unaccounted for.
The building collapse occurred on Friday in Lyari’s Baghdadi area, where six families were residing. The local administration had already started cutting electricity and gas connections to unsafe buildings, warning residents to evacuate. Legal action is initiated if residents refuse to leave dangerous structures.