At least 18 schoolchildren and a teacher have been killed after the roof of a primary school collapsed during lessons in Peshawar, Pakistan. Dozens more pupils, all believed to be under the age of 13, were rushed to hospital, with several reported to be fighting for their lives.
Emergency response underway
Emergency crews are searching for survivors beneath the rubble, amid fears that more victims, including young pupils, could still be trapped. A spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital said at least 18 children and one teacher had died, while an emergency was declared at the medical centre as casualties continued to arrive.
President offers condolences and orders investigation
In a statement, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari said he had "extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families" at the time. "This heart-wrenching tragedy has plunged the entire nation into shock," the statement read. "The President prayed for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in the incident."
President Zardari added that he had "directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured" and "emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the incident and to ensure the safety standards of educational institution buildings to prevent such tragic events in the future."
