At least 21 children were killed after the roof of a private school collapsed in Peshawar’s Dir Colony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, according to hospital officials.
The tragedy initially claimed four lives, but the death toll rose as authorities brought more bodies to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). Hospital officials also confirmed that 20 injured children had been admitted for medical treatment.
The body of a female teacher was also brought to the hospital following the incident. Meanwhile, Capital City Police Officer Dr Mian Saeed said that more than 40 people had sustained injuries in the collapse.
Rescue teams rushed to the site and launched an operation to search for children and school staff trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency personnel continued their efforts to locate victims and assist those affected by the disaster.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured and directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure the provision of medical assistance.
Meanwhile, Samar Haroon Bilour, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor on information and public relations, expressed grief over the incident. She directed officials to provide the best possible medical facilities to injured children.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse as rescue efforts and assessments continue. Further details about the cause of the incident remain unclear.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about building safety and the protection of children in educational institutions across Pakistan.
