Karachi July 4 2025 — A tragic incident struck Karachis densely populated Lyari neighborhood on Thursday evening when a five storey residential building collapsed leaving at least four people dead and dozens feared trapped under the rubble The collapse has sent shockwaves throughout the city with rescue operations continuing through the night as emergency teams scramble to search for survivors .
The Incident
The building located in the Moosa Lane area of Lyari suddenly crumbled around 545 PM causing widespread panic in the vicinity Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking noise followed by a thunderous crash as the entire structure came down within seconds Many residents inside the building were caught completely off guard .
According to residents the building was visibly in a dilapidated state and had shown structural weaknesses for several months Despite repeated warnings from locals no timely action was taken by the authorities to vacate the premises or carry out repairs .
We had informed the municipal authorities several times but they kept delaying the inspections Today we have paid the price said Asif Baloch a resident of the neighboring building .
Rescue Operations Underway
Soon after the collapse rescue teams from the Edhi Foundation Chhipa and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation KMC rushed to the scene along with personnel from the Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers to assist in the search and rescue operation Heavy machinery including cranes and excavators was deployed to remove the debris .
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According to officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation at least 25 people are feared to be trapped under the rubble So far four bodies including those of two children have been recovered while eight injured individuals have been pulled out alive and shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment .
We are racing against time There are reports of people making phone calls from under the debris We are trying our best to reach them before its too late said Muhammad Iqbal Memon Karachis Commissioner while speaking to reporters at the site .
Grief and Anger Among Locals
Heart wrenching scenes were witnessed as families gathered near the collapse site anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones Many were seen weeping and calling out names of their relatives believed to be trapped under the rubble .
Residents expressed anger at the authorities blaming them for negligence We kept warning about this building It was leaning and there were visible cracks Yet no one took notice Now we are watching our neighbors die said Abdul Rehman a shopkeeper from the area .
Investigations Ordered
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse In a statement issued late Thursday he directed the Karachi Development Authority KDA and Sindh Building Control Authority SBCA to submit a detailed report within 48 hours .
The loss of precious lives in this tragic incident is deeply saddening Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for allowing the building to remain occupied despite its unsafe condition the Chief Minister said .
Initial reports suggest that the building was constructed over 20 years ago without proper compliance with safety regulations There are also allegations that unauthorized renovations were carried out recently which may have compromised the structures stability .
A Grim Reminder
This incident serves as yet another grim reminder of Karachis growing problem of unsafe and illegal constructions particularly in old neighborhoods like Lyari Saddar and Garden East Experts have long warned that poor construction practices coupled with lax enforcement of building codes put thousands of lives at risk across the city .
Urban planners are urging the government to carry out a city wide audit of aging buildings and take prompt action before more tragedies occur .
Ongoing Search
As of midnight search and rescue operations continue with hopes of finding more survivors Authorities have cordoned off the area and volunteers from various welfare organizations are assisting with medical aid and food supplies for those affected .