A devastating tragedy struck Karachi’s Lyari on Friday morning when a five-storey residential building, already flagged by authorities as structurally unsafe, collapsed in the crowded Baghdadi locality. The collapse has so far claimed at least 11 lives and left many more injured, casting a harsh spotlight on the persistent issue of hazardous buildings in the city.
According to Rescue 1122, the building came down near Lea Market at approximately 10:53 am. Emergency teams, equipped with five disaster response vehicles, two snorkels, multiple ambulances, and heavy machinery including cranes and lifters, were dispatched promptly after receiving distress calls.
The scene quickly turned heartbreaking as families of those trapped beneath the debris gathered, crying out for their missing loved ones and praying for their survival. Some residents stood in stunned silence, while others tried to comfort distraught relatives. Police and Rangers swiftly cordoned off the area to clear the way for rescuers.
Officials confirmed that at least 11 people, including women, had died, with many others sustaining injuries. Rescue workers from Chhipa and Edhi joined hands with Rescue 1122 teams, transporting victims to Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 shared that more than 100 personnel were engaged in the operation, which faced several hurdles. Narrow lanes, large crowds of onlookers, and mobile network disruptions hampered coordination, making an already difficult mission even more challenging.
Local residents recounted that the building had long shown signs of severe deterioration. Pieces of concrete and bricks would frequently fall, raising alarm among the community. Despite repeated notices from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) declaring the structure dangerous and urging residents to leave, several families chose to stay, citing a lack of alternatives.
One young man, visibly shaken as he stood near the rubble, revealed that his parents and other relatives were inside when the building collapsed. “I’m just praying they come out alive,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.
The catastrophe prompted swift responses from top provincial authorities. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and called for a thorough report from relevant departments. Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, along with Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso and local political figures, visited the site to monitor rescue operations.
Addressing reporters, Saeed Ghani acknowledged shortcomings on the part of the SBCA. “The building was declared unsafe, but residents did not vacate. Forced evacuations, however, pose a humanitarian challenge as they often leave people homeless,” he said. “Even one life lost is a tragedy.”
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of Karachi’s urgent need for rigorous building safety enforcement and practical resettlement solutions for residents of at-risk structures. Without decisive measures, experts warn, the city remains vulnerable to similar disasters that exact a steep human cost.
