Karachi:
Following the tragic collapse of a five-story residential building in Lyaris Bagdadi area demanding 27 lives, authorities have launched a demolition drive aimed at other dangerous structures nearby.
Teams from Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have begun to tear down fallen buildings identified as dangerous. According to building inspector Zulfiqar Shah, two buildings are currently being demolished in phases after evacuation, while a study is underway for a third structure.
Assistant Commissioner Lyari Shehryar Habib confirmed that all three buildings have been completely evacuated and temporary events have been made to move the displaced residents to social centers and KMC-run schools. He added that it can take up to 10 to 15 days to completely break down a single building.
Meanwhile, affected residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response and warned of protests, whether they are not compensated and delivered permanent housing. They demanded clarity on the government’s plan for their rehabilitation and promised to raise their concerns about the Chief Minister’s House, the Governor House and the Sindh assembly.
Security and rescue teams remain stated in the area to supervise continuous operations.
Lyari Collapse claims 27 lives as the rescue operation ends
A 50-hour search and rescue operation in the Baghdadi area of Lyari where a five-story residential building collapsed 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, eleven women and sixteen men, including a half and a half years old girl,” Confirmed Civil Hospital Administration.
The report says 26 organs were brought to the hospital, while 55-year-old Fatima succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
“Of the wounded, ten people were discharged after receiving medical treatment. However, 30-year-old Sanatia remains under treatment,” it said.
The list also noted that most of the wounded persistent head injuries in the incident. Many of the deceased belong to the Hindu society.
According to rescuers, the final body was recovered – after 48 hours of tombs through waste – it was by 15 -year -old Muhammad Zaid, who was caught near the building’s staircase. His body was moved to Civil Hospital for legal formalities.
Zaid’s older brother, who survived the collapse, told journalists that he had tried to pull his younger siblings out of the building as the structure began to crack but lost the 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 in a place from which five other organs had previously been taken out. However, his buried too deep under the rubble to be discovered immediately. After renewed efforts by family members, search team returned to the location and restored Zaid’s body using special equipment.
During the operation, cash, checks and jewelry were recovered from three separate locations and handed over to the chairman of the local union council.
Rescue 1122 South In-Charge Hameer Wahid told Express News that 95% of the waste had been cleared and no further victims were assumed to be caught.
“No families remain on the spot waiting for missing people,” he said. He further added that rescue operations were deliberately extended to ensure careful improvement of bodies. Several rickshaws and motorcycles parked under the building were also destroyed. The locals said that the area during the structure was routinely used for parking.
