School roof collapse in Peshawar kills 28 children and a teacher

Early on a weekday, the roof of a three-storey school in Peshawar gave way, crushing the classrooms where over 100 children were reportedly present. Local police and rescue officials confirmed the deaths of 28 students - including six girls - and one teacher, and reported that more than 40 individuals were injured, many severely. Bilal Faizi, spokesperson for the Pakistani rescue services, said the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.

Mohamed Asim, a hospital spokesperson, noted that the injured were taken to the city hospital for treatment, with several children in critical condition after being struck by steel rods. Authorities have detained the school’s owner while probing the cause of the collapse, which follows a pattern of building failures linked to substandard materials in Pakistan. Rescue crews, supported by heavy equipment and volunteers, are working to recover any remaining victims.