Seven dead, rescue operation underway after three-storey building collapses in Lahore

LAHORE: At least seven people have been confirmed dead after a dilapidated three-storey house collapsed in Lahore’s Bhatta Muhammad Din Colony near Sukh Nehar Stop in the Baghbanpura area, while rescue workers continued searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed, the building collapsed at around 10:15pm on Wednesday. The house, located within the jurisdiction of Harbanspura police station, was occupied by three families, including elderly people, women and children.

“Seven deaths have been confirmed so far, while reports suggest two to three more people may still be trapped under the rubble,” Rescue spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said, adding that the operation was continuing despite the dangerous condition of the debris.

District Commissioner (DC) Lahore Captain (retd) Ali Ijaz said the exact number of casualties could not yet be determined. “Our rescue teams are still inside the building. We cannot confirm the final figures until the operation is complete,” he said.

Ijaz added that rescue workers had so far pulled several people from the rubble, while the search for others continued. “The operation will continue until the last person is recovered,” he said.

Rescue Emergency Officer Hamad Rizwan said the narrow streets leading to the site had slowed the operation.

“As soon as we received the emergency call, our teams reached the site. The lanes are extremely narrow, which has made the rescue operation more difficult,” he said.

Rizwan said the building collapsed floor by floor, adding that unstable walls posed a serious risk to rescuers. “This was a three-storey house and all three floors collapsed one after another. At this stage, it is too early to say when the operation will be completed,” he added.

Officials said several injured people were shifted to Services Hospital, while others were provided first aid at the scene.

Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf visited the accident site and later Services Hospital, where he reviewed treatment arrangements for the injured. “The injured are being provided the best possible medical care,” he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the Lahore deputy commissioner and other administrative officials to supervise the rescue operation. She also ordered authorities to ensure “the best possible treatment” for the injured and extended her condolences to the bereaved families.

Rescue teams remained at the site as efforts continued to locate those feared trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Earlier this month, fourteen children died when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed on top of them in Kahna, a suburb of Lahore. Most of the children pulled from the site were aged between seven and 11, and five others are believed to have been injured. Authorities began an investigation, and two people were taken into custody. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences and directed authorities to provide medical assistance to the injured while CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif called it a “heartbreaking tragedy” and vowed accountability.

This is a developing story