27 dead in Karachi building collapse

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Rescue operations near end as officials confirm building was flagged unsafe
-Survivors recount terrifying moments before structure gave way

Rescue operations in Karachi’s densely populated Lyari district are winding down after emergency responders recovered 27 bodies from the rubble of a collapsed five-storey apartment building.

The tragic incident occurred around 10:00 am on Friday in Lyari, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, long burdened by poverty, poor infrastructure, and lax building regulations. According to emergency officials, the building collapsed suddenly, trapping residents under tons of concrete and debris.

“Most of the debris has been removed,” said Hassaan Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s 1122 emergency service, during a media briefing on Sunday. “The death toll stood at 27 this morning. The rescue operation should be completed by this afternoon.”

Survivors described hearing loud cracking sounds before the building gave way. Eyewitnesses said the collapse sent dust and debris billowing into the narrow streets, triggering panic.

Among the distraught was 54-year-old Dev Raj, whose daughter was among those feared dead. “She got married just six months ago,” he said, clutching a photo. “She was under the rubble. She was so sensitive… my beloved daughter.”

Authorities have since revealed that the apartment block had been declared structurally unsafe, with eviction notices reportedly issued between 2022 and 2024. But some tenants and landlords at the scene denied ever receiving such warnings.

The disaster casts a harsh light on Karachi’s chronic infrastructure problems. With over 20 million residents, Pakistan’s commercial hub suffers from rapid, often unregulated urban growth, overcrowding, and widespread violations of construction laws.

Local officials and city planners have repeatedly warned about the risk posed by aging buildings and poor construction practices, especially in lower-income areas like Lyari.

As the rescue efforts conclude, grief and anger simmer among residents demanding accountability. Investigations into the collapse are expected in the coming days.