Death toll rises to 16 in Pakistan building collapse as rescuers search for survivors

KARACHI, Pakistan – Authorities in southern Pakistan have confirmed that the death toll from the collapse of a multistory residential building has risen to 16. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to locate any remaining survivors trapped in the rubble.

Overnight efforts led to the discovery of 10 additional bodies, bringing the total number of fatalities to 16. The Civil Hospital, which is overseeing the response efforts, has reported that several injured individuals have been admitted for medical treatment.

Emergency personnel are utilizing heavy machinery to access areas where approximately eight survivors are believed to be trapped. However, challenges arise due to the building’s location on a narrow street, complicating the deployment of necessary equipment.

Witnesses have described scenes of distraught relatives awaiting news of their loved ones as rescue teams work tirelessly to clear debris. The incident underscores the prevalence of building collapses in Pakistan, often attributed to lax enforcement of construction standards and the use of substandard materials to minimize costs.

This tragedy echoes a similar event in June 2020, when an apartment building in Karachi collapsed, resulting in the loss of 22 lives.