KARACHI: The debris removal operation continues at the site of the building that collapsed in Lyari yesterday, with rescue teams recovering six more bodies today, bringing the total death toll to 21.
Rescue officials stated that the operation is ongoing and being carried out with extreme caution. There is still a risk of people being trapped under the rubble, which could lead to an increase in fatalities.
According to rescue authorities, six more bodies have been recovered from the debris today, raising the death toll to 21. So far, the victims include 11 men, nine women, and one child.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Khoso, told the media that the rescue operation could take another 8 to 10 hours. The operation has now entered the next phase, with fears that 10 to 12 individuals may still be trapped under the debris.
The DC also mentioned that the building had been declared hazardous three years ago and a notice was issued about it a month and a half ago. There are currently 22 highly dangerous buildings in Lyari, out of which 16 have been vacated so far. Efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining structures.
Javed Khoso explained that after issuing notices, residents are informed to vacate the buildings. The electricity and gas connections to these hazardous structures are disconnected, and legal action is taken if residents do not comply.
Regarding the building’s structure, the owner’s nephew revealed that each floor of the five-story building had three separate units. He added that the building was always crowded with residents. In an interview with Geo News, he shared that his family members lived on the fourth floor. The owner was rescued in a critical condition, her son died in the incident, and three relatives are still trapped inside.
It is to be noted that the five-story residential building in Bogdadi, Lyari, collapsed yesterday, housing six families.
