Rescue workers in Karachi continue to search for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area, as families held funeral prayers for 20 of the 27 confirmed victims. The tragedy struck on Friday, leaving dozens trapped under debris from a 30-year-old structure that housed over 40 people in 20 apartments.
Officials said 95% of the debris has now been cleared, and rescuers believe three more people may still be buried beneath the rubble. Specialized equipment like the Trapped Person Locator was used to detect any remaining signs of life. Rescuers also recovered a large sum of money during the operation and handed it over to the relevant parties.
The dead include nine women, 15 men, a 10-year-old boy, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl. Most bodies were sent to Mowach Goth Maheshwari graveyard in Baldia for burial. One of the injured victims later died during treatment, bringing the total death toll to 27.
In response to the collapse, the Sindh government formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident, which is expected to submit its findings by Monday. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) revealed the building had been marked unsafe and evacuation notices had been issued, the latest on June 25, 2025.
Despite warnings, residents remained in the building. The SBCA claimed it requested utility disconnection from K-Electric and the Water Board, but no action was taken. Meanwhile, 50 rickshaws parked nearby were also buried under the rubble.
Karachi has seen a rise in similar incidents in recent years, often tied to illegal or aging buildings. According to the SBCA, 578 buildings have been declared unsafe in the city, with 456 in District South alone. The lack of enforcement continues to pose serious risks to public safety.