A roof collapse at a school in Pakistan has killed at least 14 children and injured several others, in what authorities are calling a catastrophic failure of building safety standards. The incident occurred in the city of Gujranwala, Punjab province, when the roof of a private school gave way during afternoon classes.
Rescue workers spent hours pulling debris from the wreckage, with the death toll expected to rise. Local officials confirmed that the building was not structurally sound, and a preliminary investigation suggested that illegal construction on the upper floor may have overloaded the roof.
The tragedy has reignited debate about enforcement of building codes in Pakistan, where safety lapses are common. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and promised a full inquiry, but critics point to a pattern of negligence and corruption in the construction sector.
The school, which operated in a residential building, had been warned about safety violations last year but continued to function. Parents gathered outside the hospital, demanding accountability and safer schools for their children.
