LAHORE: Mourners wept and chanted on Wednesday as funerals were held for the children killed in a tutoring center roof collapse in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
Workers had been repairing tiles on the decrepit building in Lahore’s Kahna Nau area, when the roof gave way and crushed the youngsters on Tuesday, according to an eye witness.
Lahore Commissioner Marryam Khan confirmed that at least 14 children were killed and five others sustained injuries in the collapse. A teacher had also been injured, she added.
Muhammad Anwer, a witness, described Tuesday’s incident as “a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.”
“Every parent dreams that their child will receive a good education, earn a decent living, and become their support in the future,” he told AFP on Wednesday.
“But today, that dream has been shattered. Nothing is left for them now. Ultimately, these are the will of God, and we cannot do anything.”
Residents of Kahna Nau said the incident was “nothing less than a catastrophe” for them as some families had lost three children, while others had lost two.
Medical sources said the children killed in the collapse were aged between around four and 12.
“Even the loss of a small pet bird can leave a family heartbroken, so one can only imagine the unbearable pain of parents who sent their children to study, never expecting that they would return home in coffins,” said Aas Muhammad, a 48-year-old resident.
“For the families who have lost their loved ones, this tragedy has turned their lives upside down.”
The tutoring center was in a private house that belonged to a teacher educating children from a disadvantaged neighborhood, according to a statement from the Punjab education minister.
Authorities have promised an investigation and provincial police said on X that two people had been taken into custody over the disaster.
“I would like to appeal to all relevant government authorities to fulfil their responsibilities by carrying out thorough structural inspections of schools, religious seminaries, tuition centers and other educational institutions,” Muhammad said.
“Wherever buildings are found to have unsafe or weakened roofs, immediate repairs must be made before students are allowed to return. No child should ever be placed at risk simply for seeking an education. This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call to ensure that such a heartbreaking incident is never repeated.”
