KARACHI, A six-story residential building partially collapsed early Monday morning near Barra Imam Bargah in the Kharadar area, trapping at least 22 people. The incident occurred around 7:30 am when a portion of the roof caved in and blocked the building’s staircase, cutting off all escape routes for residents stranded on upper floors.
Initial reports revealed that the collapse affected the structure from the roof down to the fourth floor. Emergency response teams from Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare, and local police immediately reached the site, with backup from Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Rescue 1122.
Urban search and rescue units, along with the KMC fire department, deployed a snorkel to evacuate residents. However, narrow alleyways and overhead utility wires significantly delayed the rescue effort. Despite these challenges, the operation concluded successfully in just over two and a half hours, with all 22 residents safely evacuated. No casualties were reported.
Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, who visited the site, stated that the building was approximately 15 to 20 years old and had received multiple renovation warnings from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). Legal action against the builder is now underway, and the premises have been sealed.
Khoso explained that a structural failure of the roof slab led to the collapse of internal sections, including the staircase, thereby trapping residents. Fire Officer Zafar Khan described the operation as extremely complex due to congested surroundings and panicked residents, which included women, children, and the elderly.
Sixteen people were rescued using the snorkel. Khan added that the situation was dire as every unit in the building was occupied by families. The timely response of emergency services and coordinated rescue efforts helped avert a major tragedy in the densely populated neighborhood.
