A private school in Peshawar’s Dir Colony became the scene of one of the deadliest structural failures in recent memory on Thursday when its roof caved in, killing at least 35 people, the overwhelming majority of them students.
According to rescue officials, the collapse occurred on College Road in Dir Colony, triggering an immediate operation to pull survivors from the rubble. Rescue 1122 confirmed the death toll, which includes 34 students and one female teacher.
Hospital Overwhelmed by Casualties
The administration of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) said 33 bodies were brought to the facility following the incident. The steady stream of victims placed enormous strain on medical staff, who treated the injured as families gathered outside seeking word of their children.
The scale of the tragedy — with children accounting for nearly all of the dead — has renewed urgent questions about safety standards at private schools across the country, many of which operate in ageing or poorly maintained buildings.
Nawaz Sharif Expresses Grief
PML-N supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif said he was saddened by the deaths of the children and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the incident. Speaking briefly to the media upon his arrival at Avenfield, the former prime minister said Maryam Nawaz is already working on the plight of private schools.
Asked about the issue of terrorism in Pakistan, the PML-N leader said the country understands the challenge and is taking notice of it. Questioned about his own health, he replied, “Thank God.”
Recurring Safety Concerns
The disaster in Dir Colony has drawn attention to the broader condition of private educational institutions, particularly those serving low-income families in densely populated urban areas.
- At least 35 people were killed, including 34 students and a female teacher.
- The collapse took place at a private school on College Road in Dir Colony, Peshawar.
- Rescue 1122 launched an immediate operation at the site.
- Lady Reading Hospital received 33 bodies, according to its administration.
Authorities have yet to release a full account of what caused the roof to give way. For the families of Dir Colony, the day’s toll has left a community in mourning and a city demanding answers.
