Lyari building collapse: 27 dead, rescue operation concludes

In Karachi's Lyari Baghdadi area, the bodies of 27 people have been recovered from the rubble of a five-storey building that collapsed two days ago.

Rescue operations, which continued for 48 hours following the Friday morning incident, have now been completed, with rescue officials declaring the site cleared. However, precautionary searches are still ongoing.

The tragic collapse occurred at around 10am on Friday, claiming the lives of 27 residents.

Meanwhile, in Lyari's Agra Taj Colony, another residential building developed dangerous cracks. When police and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) teams arrived late at night to evacuate the seven-storey structure, they initially faced resistance from the occupants. However, following successful negotiations, the residents were evacuated, the building was sealed, its water tank was demolished, and electricity was disconnected.

According to the administration, the evacuated families have been shifted to a nearby government school. Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi, stated that the building, constructed illegally two years ago on a 60-square-yard plot, housed 57 people from 11 families.

The builder has been directed to compensate the affected residents. Meanwhile, SBCA has lodged a case against the builder, Mansoor Shah, and the contractor at Kalri Police Station.

The FIR states that the building was illegally constructed using substandard materials, posing a serious threat to life and property. Authorities have now declared the building hazardous and unfit for habitation.