At least six children were killed and several others injured when the roof of a mud house collapsed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incident occurred in the Karak district on Tuesday, following heavy rains that weakened the structure.
Details of the Incident
The house, made of mud and bricks, caved in during the night while the children were sleeping. Rescue teams rushed to the site and pulled out the victims from the debris. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where two of them are said to be in critical condition.
Cause of Collapse
Local authorities attributed the collapse to the torrential rains that have been lashing the region for the past few days. The roof, already fragile due to age, could not withstand the water seepage and gave way.
Response and Rescue Operations
Police and rescue officials arrived promptly and began clearing the rubble. The search operation concluded after confirming that no one else was trapped. The deceased children, aged between 4 and 12 years, belonged to two families living in the house.
Government Reaction
The provincial government expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the bereaved families. A spokesperson stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine if any negligence was involved.
Background
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa often witnesses such tragedies during the monsoon season, as many houses in rural areas are made of mud and are vulnerable to rain damage. Experts have called for better construction standards and early warning systems to prevent such incidents.
The incident highlights the need for safer housing in disaster-prone areas. Authorities have urged residents to vacate dilapidated structures during heavy rainfall.
