PESHAWAR: Police have arrested the owner of a private school in Peshawar’s Dir Colony following a roof collapse that killed at least 30 children and two female teachers, while several others remain in critical condition.
The incident occurred when the roof of the private school collapsed, triggering a major rescue operation.
The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar confirmed the school owner’s arrest, stating that the institution had been operating under the name of an educational trust.
According to the CCPO, the school building had been poorly constructed, which contributed to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are facing difficulties because of the building’s weakened structure and the narrow streets surrounding the site.
A Rescue service spokesperson said heavy machinery was not being used because the building remained structurally unstable. The narrow streets have also made it difficult to bring heavy equipment close to the damaged structure.
Read more: At least 30 children killed, 52 injured in Peshawar school roof collapse incident
Rescue teams continue to face challenges as efforts to respond to the tragedy proceed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the roof collapse at a private school in Peshawar.
The prime minister offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of those who lost their lives in the incident, including innocent children, and extended his condolences to the bereaved families, praying for their strength and patience.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident and directed the relevant authorities to ensure that they receive the best possible medical treatment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further instructed officials to accelerate rescue and relief operations at the site.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has also expressed grief over the death of children in a school roof collapse and has sought a detailed report on the incident and directed the authorities to determine the cause of the collapse.
“The loss of precious lives of innocent children is an extremely painful tragedy,” he said, according to a statement, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.