Police book owners after Lahore roof tragedy

Police in Lahore have registered a criminal case against property owners and a construction worker following the

Police in Lahore have registered a criminal case against property owners and a construction worker following the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in the Kahna area that claimed the lives of 14 children and left several others injured.

The case was lodged at Kahna Police Station on the complaint of a municipal enforcement official after preliminary investigations pointed towards alleged negligence during repair work at the building.

According to investigators, the property belonged to three brothers who, along with a construction worker involved in renovation activities, have been nominated in the case.

Authorities said a tuition centre was being operated from a room inside the residential building at the time of the incident. Despite repair work being carried out on the structure, classes reportedly continued as usual with children present inside the room.

Initial findings suggest that construction material had been placed on the roof of the classroom despite concerns over the deteriorating condition of the structure.

Investigators believe the additional weight placed excessive pressure on the weakened roof, ultimately leading to its collapse while students were attending lessons.

Police officials stated that evidence collected from the scene indicates negligence may have played a significant role in the tragedy. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of responsibility of those involved.

The incident occurred in Basti Eid Gah near Ferozepur Road, where rescue teams rushed to the scene after the roof suddenly caved in, trapping children and teachers beneath the debris.

Emergency personnel, local residents and rescue workers participated in the operation to pull victims from the rubble and transport the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The tragedy claimed the lives of 14 children and injured eight others, sending shockwaves across the city and prompting calls for stricter safety measures at educational facilities operating in residential buildings.

Following the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered an immediate inquiry into the collapse and directed authorities to identify those responsible.

She also instructed health officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured children and closely monitor their condition.

On the chief minister’s instructions, senior government officials visited hospitals to review treatment arrangements and oversee relief efforts for the affected families.

The tragic incident has raised serious concerns regarding building safety standards, the operation of tuition centres in residential properties and the enforcement of construction regulations in urban areas.