A six-storey residential building collapsed on Friday morning in Karachi’s Lea Market area, killing 27 people. Rescue teams are still working to find survivors. Several injured people are being treated in local hospitals. Officials believe that 4 to 5 individuals may still be trapped under the rubble.
The rescue operation is slow. Officials say it takes time because bodies are found beneath the debris. So far, the victims include four men, four women, and one child. Some injured include four women. Known victims are Waseem, Prantik, Hoori Bibi, Prem, and Fatima. However, a 30-year-old man, a woman, and a seven-year-old child remain unidentified.
Eyewitnesses reported that they quickly informed the fire brigade after the collapse. They fear more people may still be buried. Rangers personnel are helping in rescue efforts. Nearby buildings have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
Karachi Commissioner Speaks
Thirteen hours after the collapse, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi visited the site. He said now is not the time to blame anyone. According to him, residents bear much of the responsibility. He explained that many dangerous buildings have been given evacuation notices, but people continue to live in them.
Naqvi urged residents to leave unsafe buildings for their own safety. He added the government cannot force people out of their homes.
SBCA and Sindh Government Take Action
Ishaq Khuhro, Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), said they are checking if the collapsed building was listed as dangerous. He mentioned the building was very old — even older than 1979. A detailed report is being prepared.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He ordered SBCA to identify all unsafe buildings in Karachi and asked for an immediate report on the incident. He directed rescue teams to speed up their work to save trapped people and care for the injured.
Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani has formed a committee to investigate the collapse. The committee will find out if any officers were negligent. Ghani promised strict action against those responsible to avoid future accidents.
What Happened Before the Collapse?
Residents said the building shook with strong shocks around 6 a.m., which they first thought were earthquakes. The building fell suddenly at about 10 a.m. Witnesses described the panic and chaos after the collapse. People rushed to help, pulling out survivors with their hands before rescue teams arrived.
Many families ignored earlier evacuation warnings and continued to live in the unsafe building. A neighbor said, “We thought it was an earthquake, but no one expected the building to fall.”
SBCA is also investigating reports of “explosive shocks” before the collapse.
About Lea Market
Lea Market is a busy marketplace in Lyari, Karachi. It is named after Measham Lea, a British engineer who helped develop the city. The market sells dairy, fish, meat, and vegetables. It has a famous old clock tower and was built in 1927.
Originally, Lea Market had three two-storey buildings. Later, an extra building was added for meat sellers during President Ayub Khan’s time, expanding the market.
