At least 21 people were killed, including 20 students and a female teacher, after the roof of a private educational institution collapsed in Peshawar’s Afridi Abad locality on Thursday, according to Dawn. Another 21 individuals were injured when the roof of Al Khair School fell while students were inside their classrooms.
What happened
According to reports cited by Dawn, the collapse occurred during school hours, trapping students beneath the debris. Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed that an emergency was declared at the facility to care for the victims. The deceased students included 18 boys and two girls between seven and 12 years old. Five of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Rescue personnel and local residents worked to remove the rubble to extract those trapped underneath.
Key facts
- Casualties: At least 21 people died (20 students and one female teacher), and 21 others were injured.
- Medical response: Lady Reading Hospital received the victims, with five patients remaining in critical condition.
- Rescue operations: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police directed traffic officials to create a "green corridor" to ensure fast passage for ambulances.
- Structural cause: Not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Official response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi requested a detailed report to determine why the roof collapsed and instructed authorities to provide top-tier medical care to those injured. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took serious notice of the tragedy. President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive investigation and called for nationwide enforcement of safety standards across educational buildings.
Why it matters
According to Dawn, building and roof collapses are a frequent hazard in Pakistan, often resulting from poor safety standards and substandard construction materials. The outlet noted that several similar incidents have taken place in recent months involving educational institutions and residences in regions such as Lahore, Umerkot, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 15, 2026 · Photo by Andrey Kukharenko on Unsplash