KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — The death toll from a tragic incident involving a collapsed multistory residential building in Karachi has risen to 16. Search operations aimed at locating survivors continued for a second consecutive day, highlighting the urgency and desperation of the situation.
During an overnight rescue operation, teams uncovered an additional 10 bodies from the rubble, bringing the total number of fatalities to 16. The Civil Hospital, a government-run facility, confirmed receiving these bodies, while several injured individuals have also been admitted for treatment.
Rescue workers are currently employing heavy machinery to search for at least eight more individuals who are believed to be trapped beneath the debris. Reports from local media and emergency officials indicate that the search for survivors remains a top priority as rescue teams race against time.
Witnesses noted that the building was situated on a narrow street, which has complicated efforts to deploy additional heavy equipment needed for the rescue operations. Television broadcasts have captured the emotional scene, showing rescue workers laboring to remove debris while relatives of those still missing gather nearby, crying and praying for the safety of their loved ones.
Building collapses are unfortunately a common occurrence in Pakistan, particularly due to the prevalent neglect of construction standards and safety regulations. Many buildings are constructed using substandard materials, and there are frequent violations of safety protocols, often in a bid to cut costs. This lax enforcement of construction standards greatly increases the risk of such tragic incidents.
This recent building collapse replicates a similarly tragic event that occurred in June 2020, when another apartment building fell in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of 22 people. Such incidents underscore the critical need for improved oversight and enforcement of building regulations to prevent further loss of life.
The current rescue operation remains ongoing, with hopes still alive for the recovery of those trapped. As the community rallies together in the face of this disaster, the focus now shifts not only towards immediate rescue efforts but also towards broader discussions regarding building practices and safety measures in urban areas of Pakistan.
