The death toll from the collapse of a multistory residential building in Karachi, Pakistan, has risen to 27, following the conclusion of a three-day rescue operation on Sunday. Rescue teams recovered 11 more bodies from the rubble, while 10 individuals were reported injured—one of whom later succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday in the southern part of Karachi, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving police, paramedics, and disaster management teams. Karachi police surgeon Dr. Summayya Tariq confirmed the figures and stated that all known victims have now been accounted for.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident, although the exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. Initial assessments point to potential structural weaknesses and the use of substandard construction materials, a recurring issue in many urban centers across Pakistan.
Building collapses are not uncommon in the country due to lax enforcement of construction codes, unregulated urban expansion, and poor quality control. This incident recalls a similar tragedy from June 2020, when a residential building collapse in Karachi claimed 22 lives.
In response to the recent collapse, city officials and safety regulators are facing renewed scrutiny over building oversight. Civil society groups and urban planning experts have urged the government to initiate strict reforms in construction licensing and inspection practices to avoid future catastrophes.
As the affected families mourn their losses, rescue and recovery teams have wrapped up operations at the site. Debris clearance and structural evaluation of nearby buildings are ongoing to ensure the safety of other residents in the vicinity.
The government of Sindh has promised compensation to the victims’ families and has vowed swift action against those responsible if negligence is confirmed.
