Just two days after the deadly roof collapse at a tuition centre in Kahna claimed the lives of 14 children, another structural failure has raised serious concerns over school safety in Lahore. A seven-year-old student lost his life after a partially constructed roof collapsed during a summer camp at a private school in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area. Four other people, including construction workers and passersby, were injured and later reported to be in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
According to initial findings, construction work was underway inside the school while summer camp classes were in progress. The collapse occurred when part of the under-construction roof gave way, trapping the young student beneath the debris. Rescue teams responded immediately, evacuating more than ten children from the building and transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. The deceased child, identified as Abu Bakar, was a second-grade student and the son of a rickshaw driver.
Alleged Causes and Investigation
Local residents alleged that a generator was operating on the unfinished floor before the collapse, though authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the incident. Police have registered a criminal case on the complaint of the education authorities. The school’s vice principal, several teachers, and a security guard have been taken into custody for questioning, while the school has been sealed. Investigators have also named the school administration and the construction contractor in the case, citing alleged negligence.
Government Response
The Punjab government has suspended two Assistant Education Officers over allegations that they failed to act against unauthorized summer camps. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed condolences to the bereaved family, praised rescue personnel for safely evacuating several children, and ordered the provision of the best available medical treatment to those injured. In response to the latest tragedy, the provincial government has announced an immediate safety audit of school buildings located in densely populated areas across Punjab. Officials have also sought detailed reports from the Lahore Commissioner and the Director General of Rescue 1122 regarding the Baghbanpura incident.
Context of Recent Tragedies
The collapse comes amid growing scrutiny following the Kahna tuition centre disaster. An official review of that incident reportedly concluded that excessive construction material placed on the roof overloaded an already weak structure while children were inside the building. Five people, including the property owner and his brother, were taken into custody in connection with the earlier case. The two incidents, occurring within days of each other, have intensified public criticism over building safety enforcement, unauthorized construction activities, and the adequacy of inspections at educational institutions. Calls are growing for stricter oversight to prevent further tragedies.
