Lahore witnessed horrific tragedy as the roof of ill-fated tuition centre collapsed in Kahna area on Tuesday, burying dozens of children beneath tons of concrete and debris. The devastating incident took lives of 14 children, while several others were injured, leaving grieving families and an entire nation in shock.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 4:45 PM inside a house being used as a tuition centre in a narrow residential street. More than 30 students were attending classes when the roof of the classroom suddenly caved in without warning, trapping children and a female teacher under the rubble.
Panic gripped the neighborhood as residents rushed to the scene, joining police and Rescue 1122 teams in a desperate race against time. Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes as rescuers pulled unconscious children from the debris. Emergency workers said many victims were barely breathing, with dirt clogging their noses and mouths, forcing rescuers to clear their airways before rushing them to hospital.
19 children were brought to the hospital following the collapse. Fourteen succumbed to their injuries, while five injured children remain under treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Muhammad Farooq said emergency teams worked relentlessly to save every possible life, recovering more than 20 people from the collapsed structure before concluding the operation. Initial findings revealed that the room had been constructed using T-R steel girders, which allegedly failed and caused the roof to collapse.
Victims
Hospital authorities identified the deceased children as Abdullah (8), Salman (8), Arooj (9), Mahnoor (8), Tashbeeh (7), Fawad (8), Iman Fatima (11), Khadija (12), Arooj (6), Artaza (4), Ramsha (6), Ali (6), Arham (8), Dua (7), and Abdullah (7).
Note: Although officials repeatedly confirmed 14 fatalities, the hospital’s released list contains 15 names, suggesting a discrepancy that authorities have yet to clarify.
لاہورکے علاقہ کاہنہ میں ٹیوشن پڑھتے بچوں پرقیامت ٹوٹ پڑی، چھت گرنے سے 14 بچے جاں بحق۔ ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز نے تصدیق کردی۔#کاہنہ #حادثہ #لاہور #ریسکیو1122 #بچے #ٹیوشن pic.twitter.com/Yeu1G69Vlh
— Asif Mehmood (@imasifmehmood) June 30, 2026
Among the injured are Abiha (8), Fariya (10), Murtaza (11), Ayan (8), Rabia (7), and the 30-year-old teacher, Hamida Rehan. Hospital officials confirmed all injured victims are receiving treatment and are currently out of danger.
As investigators pieced together the cause of the catastrophe, disturbing details began to emerge.
Police revealed that construction work was actively underway on the building’s upper floor while children attended tuition classes on the ground floor.
Authorities immediately detained three individuals Property owner Rehan, His brother Muhammad Faizan and Mason Umair. A preliminary investigation has further alleged that the building was being constructed illegally without approved building plans.
Officials disclosed that the property falls within a DHA Building Controlled Area, following the transfer of administrative control from the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to DHA in 2023. Investigators also found that no building plan had ever been submitted or approved by the relevant authorities.
Police continue to examine construction records, approvals, and other evidence to determine whether negligence and illegal construction directly contributed to the deadly collapse.
Nation mourns the horror
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families and directing authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
لاہور میں اپنے پیارے بچوں کو کھونے والے والدین غم سے نڈھال
لاہور: کاہنہ میں ٹیوشن سینٹر کی چھت گرگئیلاہور:14بچےجاں بحق،متعددکی حالت تشویشناک،ہلاکتوں میں اضافےخدشہ
Lahore Kahna incident #Kahna
#Lahore #HeatWave pic.twitter.com/n7b7tgVYO3— Sumair jamil (@sumair_shah123) June 30, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari described the loss of innocent children as a national tragedy and stressed the urgent need for stronger building safety measures to prevent similar disasters.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also conveyed deep grief, saying that, as a mother, she could understand the unbearable pain suffered by the victims’ families. She ordered a transparent and impartial investigation, warning that no one responsible would be spared. She also directed officials to conduct province-wide safety inspections of educational institutions to prevent future tragedies.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir confirmed that nearly 20 children were shifted to emergency departments following the collapse. He said 14 children lost their lives, while six sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment.
Education Authority report contradicts Minister’s version of Lahore Kahna tragedy
