At Least 28 Killed as School Roof Collapses in Pakistan’s Peshawar, Including 27 Students Under 13
Peshawar, Pakistan | October 15, 2026 | The Global Journal
At least 28 people have been killed after the roof of a school collapsed in Peshawar, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The victims include 27 students and one teacher. Most of the students killed were under the age of 13. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, while classes were in session, according to local authorities. There are fears that more people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir said the roof of Al Khair School collapsed, trapping students beneath the debris. Rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and launched an operation to reach those trapped. Efforts to clear the rubble and search for survivors continued.
According to reports citing Muhammad Asim, spokesperson for the local Lady Reading Hospital, the deceased students included 18 boys and two girls aged between seven and 12. The death of a female teacher was also reported. Five of the injured were in critical condition, according to hospital sources.
Reports have differed on the number of casualties following the collapse. While some accounts have put the death toll as high as 30, the initial figure confirmed by authorities stood at at least 28.
Leaders Express Grief and Order Investigation
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities and ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured children.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed serious concern over the incident. In a message posted on X, Dar said the loss of children’s lives was an irreparable tragedy for the entire country. He called for support for the affected families, proper medical treatment for the injured and stronger safety measures at educational institutions.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over the incident. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse and urged authorities to ensure that educational buildings across the country meet appropriate safety standards.
Police Direct Efforts to Strengthen Rescue Operations
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed directed the Peshawar Capital City Police Officer to supervise the rescue operation. Authorities were also instructed to establish a special “green corridor” to allow ambulances to transport the injured to hospitals without delay.
Police and rescue teams were instructed to deploy the necessary personnel and equipment to accelerate the operation and reach anyone who might remain trapped beneath the debris.
School Building Safety Concerns Grow in Pakistan
Building and roof collapses that cause fatalities are not uncommon in Pakistan. Safety deficiencies during construction, weak infrastructure and substandard building materials have frequently been cited as potential factors behind such incidents.
In June this year, 14 children died when the roof of a private tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area. Earlier, four children were killed and 20 people injured when the roof of a classroom at a private school collapsed in Dera Ghazi Khan. In July, three children died when part of the outer wall of a government primary school collapsed near Umerkot. The same month, one child was killed and at least five others were injured when the roof of an under-construction private school collapsed in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area.
The latest tragedy in Peshawar has once again raised concerns about the structural safety of educational institutions, building maintenance and the protection of children in Pakistan. Attention is now focused on the findings of the investigation and further updates from the rescue operation.
