Investigation reveals cause of deadly Kahna roof collapse

A detailed report on the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore's Kahna area has been submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

A detailed report on the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area has been submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

According to official sources, the investigation found that the roof collapsed after an excessive amount of soil and construction debris was placed on top of the structure. The additional load caused the T-iron beams and girders supporting the roof to fail.

The report described the act of unloading soil onto the roof while children were attending classes inside the building as a serious act of negligence. Investigators concluded that the weak and aging structure was unable to withstand the extra weight placed upon it.

Experts who examined the site were also consulted during the inquiry. Their findings were included in the final report submitted to the provincial government.

According to the investigation, a female teacher and around 20 children were present underneath the roof when the incident occurred. The sudden collapse left the occupants trapped under the rubble, triggering a major rescue operation by emergency teams and local residents.

The report stated that most of the children died after suffering severe head injuries and skull fractures caused by falling debris and concrete slabs.

Sources said that investigators have so far not found evidence of negligence by any government department or public official in relation to the incident.

Authorities have registered a criminal case following the tragedy. Police have taken five individuals into custody, including the owner of the building and his brother, as investigations continue to determine responsibility for the deadly collapse.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of private educational facilities operating in residential buildings and the need for stricter enforcement of construction and building safety regulations.