At least 14 people were killed and several others injured when a five-storey residential building in Karachi’s Gulbahar area collapsed on Thursday, a private TV channel reported.
Police Surgeon Dr Qarar Abbasi said bodies of 14 victims have been brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, while at least 17 injured have also been brought to the same facility.
The death toll could increase as rescue workers are still engaged in efforts to remove the debris and rescue people trapped under the rubble.
Army personnel and a team from Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) reached Golimar Number 2 – the site of the incident – to aid the rescue operations in addition to rescue teams being dispatched.
The lower portion of the fallen building had already been in a damaged state and the entire building was said to be in dire need of restoration.
According to Sindh Building Control Authority Additional Director Ashkar Daud, the building was constructed illegally and officers who were involved in approving its construction have been suspended. Speaking to the TV channel, he said that the building was constructed by merging 40-square-yard plots. He said that a case will be registered against those involved, adding that the Sindh government has suspended 28 SBCA officers following similar incidents in the past.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the building collapse and directed Karachi commissioner to ensure that rescue and relief operations are executed smoothly in the area.
Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, while taking notice of the incident, ordered that the injured should be provided the best possible medical care. Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Mahar also directed Central Senior Superintendent of Police Arif Aslam Rao to head the rescue operation in the area, a police press release said. A contingent of police and rangers was dispatched to the area to help with the rescue operation as a number of area residents gathered in the street.
