Karachi – June 26, 2025: At least five people lost their lives and seven others were injured when a five-storey residential building collapsed in the Moosa Lane area of Lyari, Karachi, early Thursday morning. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities fear more people may be trapped under the debris.
The tragedy has once again raised urgent concerns over unauthorized construction, poor infrastructure maintenance, and the lack of safety oversight in densely populated urban neighborhoods.
Details of the Incident
According to Rescue 1122 and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA):
- The building collapsed around 3:45 AM, catching residents off guard
- Three bodies were recovered immediately, while two more succumbed to injuries at the hospital
- Seven injured, including children and elderly, are being treated at Civil Hospital Karachi
Emergency crews are using heavy machinery, cranes, and sniffer dogs in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation. Locals were the first to arrive at the scene and began pulling victims from the rubble before officials arrived.
Cause Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, early reports suggest the building:
- Was illegally constructed or modified beyond approved limits
- Had shown signs of structural weakness, which were reportedly ignored
- Might have been weakened by recent monsoon rain or internal renovation
SBCA and Karachi Police have launched a probe to identify contractors and owners responsible for any negligence.
Government Response and Condolences
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered:
- An immediate inquiry and arrests of those involved in unauthorized construction
- Compensation for the victims’ families
- Temporary relocation support for residents of adjacent buildings declared at risk
“We will hold those responsible accountable. No one is above the law when lives are lost due to negligence,” the CM stated.
Recurring Urban Safety Failures
This incident is not isolated. Karachi has witnessed multiple building collapses in the past five years, largely due to:
- Illegal high-rise constructions
- Poor enforcement of zoning laws
- Lack of regular structural inspections
Urban experts are calling for city-wide structural audits and strict regulation of construction practices in high-density areas like Lyari, Saddar, and Gulistan-e-Johar.
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