Punjab police have classified the fatal roof collapse at a Lahore tuition centre in the Kahna area as an act of criminal negligence, initiating a formal investigation into the tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 children.
The police investigation unit has commenced inquiries and is considering whether additional legal charges should be applied. All individuals named in the case have been taken into custody. Notably, the female teacher who was conducting classes during the incident has not yet been named in the case but may be included in the ongoing probe.
In her statement, the teacher explained that no one deliberately caused the accident. She described teaching approximately 30 to 35 children and mentioned their limited means, which prevented them from affording lanterns. She also noted that rainwater leakage from the roof had led to repair efforts while classes were in session. At the time of the collapse, around 20 children were present, and she was under the roof when it gave way.
Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation report on the Kahna incident was submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The report highlighted that the roof, constructed with T-iron and girders, collapsed due to excessive debris and soil placed atop the structure during repair work. It further stated that the roof’s already weak framework could not support the additional weight, leading to its failure.
At the moment of the collapse, the tuition centre housed at least 20 children along with the female teacher. The children who lost their lives suffered severe skull injuries caused by the falling structure. Investigators have so far found no evidence implicating negligence by officials from any government department related to the building’s maintenance or safety.
Nevertheless, police have registered a case concerning the incident and have detained five people, including the building’s owner and his brother, as the investigation continues to unfold.
