School roof collapses in northwest Pakistan, killing at least 29 | Education News

At least 28 students and a teacher killed in an incident at Al-Khair Education Center, a private school in Peshawar.

The roof of a school in northwest Pakistan collapsed, killing at least 28 students and a teacher and injuring more than 50 others, authorities said.

The incident took place on Thursday at Al-Khair Education Centre, a private school in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province..

Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Mohammad Asim confirmed the number of casualties, saying some of the injured were in critical condition. All of the children killed or injured were aged 13 or younger, he said. The hospital has declared a state of emergency while medical staff treat the injured.

Hours after the collapse, rescuers said all those trapped under the rubble had been recovered.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder said from Islamabad that the school had about 350 students enrolled.

“The number of casualties is likely to increase. Dozens of injured students are hospitalized. Some of them are in serious condition,” he added.

Authorities said an investigation had been ordered to determine the cause of the collapse.

“Our children are our most precious asset, and each of these losses is a tragedy for the entire country. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the bereaved families,” Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said in a message on X.

“The Prime Minister and the government have taken the situation very seriously. Ensuring the safety and protection of our children must remain paramount,” he added.