Building collapse tragedy in Karachi's Lyari neighborhood leaves 27 dead; rescue operations ongoing
In the heart of Karachi, Pakistan's impoverished Lyari neighbourhood, a five-storey building collapse has left a devastating impact. Since the incident on Friday around 10 am, rescue efforts for survivors have been ongoing, with the latest update revealing a heart-wrenching death toll of 27 as of July 6, 2025.
The tragic incident primarily affected low-income Hindu minority families, with approximately 40 people estimated to be inside the building at the time of collapse. Among the victims, nine women, 15 men, a 13-year-old child, a 10-year-old child, and a one-year-old infant lost their lives[1][2][4].
Rescue operations have been mostly completed, with most debris cleared. However, the search for survivors took several days, and authorities have now concluded the search operation and started removing rubble[4]. No new survivors have been reported recently, and hope is fading of finding any more survivors. Earlier, some injured people were rescued: five people, including three women, were injured, and ten injured have been discharged from hospital[2][5].
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed emergency rescue operations and promised a full investigation into the collapse. He also pledged government assistance for displaced residents seeking new housing[6]. Shah acknowledged the economic hardship many face, which forces them to live in unsafe conditions, and urged citizens to verify buildings' clearance from the Building Control Authority before purchasing or renting[3].
The collapsed building, it was revealed, was recently constructed and lacked proper approvals[6]. In a concerning development, Shah also revealed that more than 480 buildings in Karachi's old city areas have been labeled as dangerous[7].
Committees have already been formed to investigate the collapse, with the rescue operation for survivors under the debris expected to be completed within the next five to six hours, according to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan[8]. Shah vowed strict action against those responsible for unauthorized construction[3].
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, the focus now shifts towards ensuring the safety of all buildings in Karachi and preventing such incidents in the future.
News articles are now reporting the alarming statistics of the building collapse in Karachi's Lyari neighbourhood, with an update revealing a death toll of 27 as of July 6, 2025. The incident predominantly affected low-income Hindu minority families, with approximately 40 people estimated to be inside the five-storey building at the time of collapse. Amidst the general news, there is a growing opinion that politics and crime-and-justice need to address the issue of unauthorized construction, as the collapsed building lacked proper approvals and over 480 buildings in Karachi's old city areas have been labeled as dangerous.
