Death Toll Rises to 27 in Lyari Building Collapse; Rescue Operations Ongoing

A heartbreaking tragedy has once again shaken the heart of Karachi, where a decades-old residential building collapsed in Lyari’s densely populated Baghdadi area, claiming 27 lives — including children as young as one-and-a-half years old.

As the rescue operation entered its third harrowing day, funeral prayers for 20 victims were offered late Saturday night. Heavy machinery continues to clear the debris, while Trapped Person Locator devices search for survivors — with three more people feared buried under the rubble.

Among the astonishing revelations:
A large amount of cash was recovered twice from the ruins.
🛺 50 rickshaws were crushed beneath the collapsed structure.
The building, housing over 40 people in 20 units, was declared unsafe years ago — but no one acted.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) claimed it issued evacuation notices two years ago and again on June 25, 2025, also requesting K-Electric and the Water Board to cut connections — but nothing was done.

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, calling the collapse “heart-wrenching,” announced a high-level probe, due to report findings on Monday. “We’re reviewing options for relocating residents of 400+ unsafe buildings,” he said, urging citizens to verify building approvals before buying flats.

Meanwhile, another building in Agra Taj was declared “dangerous” and ordered evacuated.
Residents resisted: “Where were the authorities when it was being built?” they asked.
Authorities have offered temporary relocation to a local school and confirmed that action will be taken against the builder.

In a shocking separate incident, the land mafia attempted to demolish a heritage building in Kharadar using heavy machinery on a public holiday — hoping to avoid detection.
Police responded to community calls, arrested two suspects, and stopped the illegal demolition.

🏚️ Karachi’s skyline hides more than stories — it hides danger. With 578 buildings marked unsafe, experts warn: this may just be the beginning of a larger disaster if strict action isn’t taken.