Death toll from Karachi building collapse increases to 14
The number of fatalities from the collapse of a five-storey building in Karachi, Pakistan, has risen to 14, as reported by officials on Saturday. This increase follows the recovery of three additional bodies from the debris during overnight rescue efforts.
The Fotan Mansion residential structure, which housed several families, collapsed shortly after 10 AM on Friday in the impoverished Lyari area of the city.
Rescue personnel and local residents continued their search for survivors and victims throughout the night, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding unsafe housing conditions in Karachi.
Dr. Summayia Syed, a police surgeon in Karachi, informed Arab News on Saturday morning that among the deceased were children aged 12 and 13.
Many residents affected were part of the low-income Hindu minority community, with estimates suggesting approximately 40 individuals were present when the building fell.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had classified Fotan Mansion as unsafe back in 2012.
“This building was deemed dangerous by the SBCA in 2012 and had received multiple notices since then,” said SBCA spokesperson Shakeel Dogar to Arab News. “Prior to the recent rains, public announcements were made urging evacuation; however, sadly, no one chose to leave.”
This incident represents yet another tragic event within a series of deadly building collapses in Karachi.
In February 2020, a five-storey structure collapsed in Rizvia Society resulting in at least 27 deaths. The following month saw another residential building fall in Gulbahar, claiming 16 lives.
A three-storey building also collapsed in Malir in June 2021, resulting in four fatalities. More recently, last August’s collapse in Qur’angi led to at least three deaths.
On Friday evening, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that rescue operations would remain their primary focus before addressing accountability and investigation matters.
“Once we complete our rescue efforts, we will turn our attention to identifying those responsible for this oversight or negligence,” he remarked.
