KARACHI:
Following the tragic collapse of a five-storey residential building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area that claimed 27 lives, the authorities have launched a demolition drive targeting other dangerous structures in the vicinity.
Teams from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have begun tearing down dilapidated buildings identified as hazardous. According to Building Inspector Zulfiqar Shah, two buildings are currently being demolished in phases after evacuation, while a survey is underway for a third structure.
Assistant Commissioner Lyari Shehryar Habib confirmed that all three buildings have been completely evacuated and temporary arrangements have been made to relocate the displaced residents to community centers and KMC-run schools. He added that it may take up to 10 to 15 days to completely demolish a single building.
Meanwhile, affected residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response and warned of protests if they are not compensated and provided permanent housing. They demanded clarity on the government’s plan for their rehabilitation and vowed to raise their concerns at the Chief Minister’s House, Governor House, and the Sindh Assembly.
Security and rescue teams remain stationed in the area to oversee ongoing operations.
Lyari collapse claims 27 lives as rescue operation concludes
A 50-hour-long search and rescue operation in the Baghdadi area of Lyari – where a five-storey residential building collapsed on Friday morning – concluded on Sunday, with 27 confirmed deaths and 10 injuries. “Twenty-seven people lost their lives in the Lyari tragedy, while eleven others were injured. Among the deceased are eleven women and sixteen men, including a one-and-a-half-year-old girl,” confirmed the Civil Hospital administration.
The report states that 26 bodies were brought to the hospital, while 55-year-old Fatima succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
“Of the injured, ten people were discharged after receiving medical treatment. However, 30-year-old Sanatia remains under treatment,” it stated.
The list further noted that most of the injured sustained head injuries in the incident. Many of the deceased belong to the Hindu community.
According to rescue officials, the final body was recovered – after 48 hours of digging through debris – was that of 15-year-old Muhammad Zaid, found trapped near the building’s staircase. His body was moved to Civil Hospital for legal formalities.
Zaid’s elder brother, who survived the collapse, told reporters he had tried to pull his younger sibling out of the building when the structure began to crack but lost his grip during the escape. Tragically, Zaid, their father, and two other brothers died in the collapse.
According to Rescue 1122 officer Hasnain and Edhi Foundation volunteer Farooq, Zaid’s body was found at a location from which five other bodies had previously been taken out. However, his was buried too deep under the rubble to be immediately detected. After renewed efforts by family members, search teams returned to the location and recovered Zaid’s body using specialised equipment.
During the operation, cash, cheques and jewellery were recovered from three separate locations and handed over to the local union council chairperson.
Rescue 1122 South In-Charge Hameer Wahid told Express News that 95% of the debris had been cleared, and no further victims were believed to be trapped.
“No families remain at the site waiting for missing persons,” he said. He further added that rescue operations were deliberately prolonged to ensure careful recovery of bodies. Several rickshaws and motorcycles parked beneath the building were also destroyed. Locals said the area underneath the structure was routinely used for parking.
