Emergency responders from Rescue 1122 rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse, while volunteers from the Edhi rescue service joined efforts to search for survivors. Officials said the casualty toll could change as rescue operations continued and authorities verified the number of victims.

Initial reports suggested that eight to ten children were trapped, but rescue officials later estimated that around 30 to 35 children had been inside the tuition centre when the roof gave way.

Several children were rescued from the debris and taken to hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Rescue Teams Race Against Time

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed told Dawn News that the children were very young and that two rooms were being used for classes when the ceilings suddenly collapsed.

"The children are very young in age, and there were two rooms in use. The ceilings collapsed and trapped the children," Ahmed said.

According to Rescue 1122, at least 15 children were pulled from the rubble and transferred to Lahore General Hospital for emergency treatment. Officials said four to five of the injured children were in critical condition.

Health authorities declared an emergency at Lahore General Hospital, directing doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to provide immediate medical care to the injured.

Preliminary Investigation Into Lahore Tuition Centre Roof Collapse

Early findings indicate that the collapsed roof had been constructed using TR (T-iron) girders, which rescue officials believe failed suddenly.

The Edhi rescue service also said preliminary information suggested the room's roof had been built using TR girders.

Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran said police had arrested the contractor who recently constructed the house where the tuition centre was operating.

Kamran added that part of the building was under construction at the time of the incident, with labourers working on the site when the roof collapsed.

Investigators are examining whether construction defects, negligence or building safety violations contributed to the tragedy.

Authorities Order Investigation

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed police and district authorities to identify anyone responsible for the collapse and initiate criminal proceedings where negligence is established.

Meanwhile, Lahore District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Tariq Mahmood said the building housed a privately operated tuition centre run by a local woman.

Mahmood said education officials were visiting the site and promised strict action against anyone found responsible following the investigation.

Questions Over Building Safety

The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety standards and the operation of private tuition centres in residential properties.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, while rescue teams continued clearing debris to ensure no one remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Officials are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses and the final casualty figures are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in Lahore?

A roof collapsed at a private tuition centre in Lahore's Kahna area on Tuesday, trapping dozens of children during classes.

How many people died?

According to initial reports from rescue officials and local media, at least 14 children were killed. The number may change as authorities complete rescue operations and verify casualties.

How many children were inside the tuition centre?

Officials estimated that approximately 30 to 35 children were present when the roof collapsed.

What caused the roof to collapse?

The exact cause remains under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the roof was constructed using TR (T-iron) girders, which reportedly failed. Authorities are also investigating possible construction-related negligence.

What action have authorities taken?

Police have arrested the contractor who recently constructed the building. The Punjab government has ordered an investigation and directed authorities to pursue criminal proceedings if negligence is confirmed.

Where were the injured taken?

Rescued children were transported to Lahore General Hospital, where emergency measures were put in place to treat the injured.