An under-construction school building collapsed in Lahore's Baghbanpura area, killing an eight-year-old child and injuring several others, while authorities are also investigating reports that an unauthorized summer camp was being held on the premises.
According to initial information, the under-construction building belonged to a school where a summer camp was underway.
Rescue officials said construction work was in progress on the building's third floor when it suddenly collapsed. The debris fell onto the ground floor and into the adjoining street.
Police said the owners of the adjacent school had purchased the affected property and had started construction work there.
One child killed, several injured
Rescue officials confirmed that one child died in the incident. The deceased was identified by police as eight-year-old Abu Bakar.
Four injured people were shifted to Services Hospital, while another injured child was taken to a private hospital.
Following the collapse, authorities launched an operation to evacuate children from the building. A large number of worried parents gathered outside the school and attempted to enter the premises as rescue efforts continued.
Meanwhile, police took the school's vice principal into custody. DIG (Operations) Faisal Kamran said information was being collected from the school administration and staff.
They further said six female teachers and the school watchman present during the summer camp have also been taken into custody. According to the police, the teachers taken into custody were present at the school at the time of the incident.
The school principal and headmistress were not present at the scene, police added. Police sources said the headmistress's sister was managing the school's affairs in her absence.
On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought a report on the collapse. She has directed authorities to identify those responsible and include their names in the investigation report.
Hospital updates on injured
The medical superintendent of Services Hospital said a child was brought to the hospital dead. Four injured patients were admitted for treatment, while no children were among those brought to Services Hospital.
Doctors said the injured suffered deep head injuries and multiple fractures. Orthopaedic and neurosurgery specialists are treating the patients in the emergency department.
According to the hospital administration, all injured patients at Services Hospital are now out of danger. The injured child shifted to a private hospital is also reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.
Officials suspended, FIR filed
In the aftermath of the Baghbanpura incident, the District Education Authority has suspended four education officers. The suspended officials include two assistant education officers and two deputy education officers.
The authority has sealed the school involved in the incident. Police have registered an FIR against the school's owner.
Illegal summer camp raises questions
The incident has also raised serious questions over the operation of a summer camp at the school.
According to available information, the summer camp was being held despite official permission for summer camps in Punjab having expired on June 30.
Authorities also noted that the permitted operating hours for summer camps were only until 10am. The reported continuation of the camp beyond the approved period has prompted further scrutiny.
Authorities are expected to investigate both the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the under-construction building and the alleged violation of summer camp regulations.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has taken notice of the alleged illegal summer camp at the school. He has sought a report from the District Education Authority.
Hayat said a comprehensive investigation into the school will be conducted.
