A portion of a five-storey building collapsed near Al-Naveed Hotel in Lyari’s Old City area, Karachi, leaving seven people dead and eight injured as rescue operations continue. The incident took place in Baghdadi, Lyari, where several individuals got trapped under debris.
Rescue 1122, Urban Search and Rescue teams, ambulances, disaster response vehicles, and personnel from Edhi Foundation and Chhipa are at the site. More than 100 Rescue 1122 workers are engaged in ongoing efforts.
The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi. Identified victims include 50-year-old Fatima wife of Babu, 35-year-old Chanda wife of Jumma Khan, 35-year-old Sintia wife of Chetan, 25-year-old Rashid son of Aziz, and 45-year-old Yousuf son of Subhan. One unidentified body was also moved initially.
As operations progressed, more casualties were confirmed. According to hospital sources, five bodies have been received so far. The deceased were identified as Hoor Bai, Waseem, Prem, and 21-year-old Prantik. Fatima, among the injured, died during treatment at Civil Hospital.
Rescue 1122 acting DG Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Sheikh confirmed that rescue efforts started immediately after receiving the alert at 10:53 am. Five disaster response vehicles, two snorkels, ambulances, cranes, and lifters are at the site. The operation faces delays due to heavy crowds, blocked roads, and network disruptions.
SSP City Arif Aziz confirmed that heavy machinery is required to remove debris. District administration, DC South, and Karachi Commissioner have been contacted. Arrival of machinery is delayed due to Muharram security and road closures. Both private and government efforts are being made to bring equipment to the site.
A relative of the building owner said the structure had three portions per floor and was usually occupied. His family lived on the fourth floor. A woman was rescued in critical condition; her son has died and three other family members remain trapped.
Rescue 1122 teams continue efforts to clear debris and recover trapped individuals.
