PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN — Authorities in northwestern Pakistan ordered school-building inspections after a private-school roof collapsed during classes Thursday, killing 34 children and a teacher.

More than 50 other people were injured at Al-Khair school in Peshawar’s Dir Colony, according to police, hospital and emergency officials cited by Reuters and The Associated Press. The victims were largely primary-school-aged children.

Collapse occurred during morning classes

The roof of the multi-storey building fell onto classrooms below on October 15. Rescue crews searched the rubble and later reported that everyone trapped had been removed.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority initially recorded 30 deaths and 58 injuries in its October 15 situation report. Later police, hospital and rescue counts reported by Reuters and AP raised the toll to 35 dead, including 34 children and one teacher.

Province orders safety review

The provincial government ordered technical inspections of school buildings and opened an investigation into the collapse. An October 16 provincial statement directed officials to review safety arrangements and survey educational facilities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan’s prime minister requested a comprehensive report, while police arrested the school’s owner, according to AP. Relatives told the news organization that concerns had previously been raised about the building’s condition. Those allegations have not yet been tested in court, and officials have not announced a final cause.

Officials examine responsibility

The investigation will need to determine the building’s structural condition, whether required inspections occurred and whether warnings were ignored. The available public reports do not establish criminal responsibility.

UNICEF issued condolences and called for support for the injured children and affected families. The tragedy is significant beyond Pakistan because it raises questions about school-building oversight and the protection of children in rapidly growing urban areas.

Sources

Lead image: AI-generated editorial illustration created for The Northern Current; it is not a photograph of Al-Khair school, the victims or the rescue operation.