The death toll from the collapse of a five-storey residential building in the Baghdadi area of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood has climbed to 22 after more bodies were pulled from the rubble on Saturday.

The victims included seven women and a child. According to rescue officials, eight people, including three women, were injured, while 10 to 12 residents are feared trapped under the debris.

The tragic collapse occurred early Friday, flattening the entire structure and shaking the adjacent buildings.

The adjoining building also suffered damage, with its staircase collapsing. By late last night, 14 bodies were recovered, followed by eight more this morning, rescue authorities confirmed.

A three-month-old baby was pulled out alive.

The deceased include 55-year-old Hoor Bai, 35-year-old Waseem, 26-year-old Rohit, 23-year-old Geeta, 21-year-old Prantik, 35-year-old Sunita, 28-year-old Prem, and others, including multiple members of the same families.

Some bodies remain unidentified.

Rescue teams, assisted by residents and heavy machinery, continue operations at the site with extreme caution due to the unstable debris and limited visibility.

Rescue 1122 officials say 70% of the work has been completed, but more hours will be required to clear the rubble.

Signal disruption and narrow lanes are hindering communication and machinery access.

According to officials, 12 families lived in the building, which was declared dangerous three years ago.

Despite four evacuation notices issued by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), residents refused to vacate.

The structure had three portions on each floor, while the building was built before 1979, SBCA officials said.

Two other adjacent buildings — seven and two-storey structures — have now also been evacuated.

Call for probe

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident, demanding an immediate report and ordering a list of all dangerous buildings.

He stressed that negligence will not be tolerated, and protecting human lives remains the top priority.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also expressed deep concern and instructed rescue agencies to expedite operations.

Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab visited the site and promised that those responsible would not be spared.

He confirmed that the SBCA issued four notices to vacate the building. “Unfortunately, the residents did not move out,” he said.

Commissioner Karachi Hasan Naqvi acknowledged delays and vowed to complete the rescue within 24 hours.

However, he added, “We cannot forcefully remove anyone from their home.”

A meeting has been called to review illegal constructions with the SBCA.

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso revealed that notices were served in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

A survey of 107 buildings had flagged 21 as high-risk, of which 14 have been vacated so far. He said, “It’s premature to assign blame.”

Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani admitted the existence of many such dangerous structures in Karachi.

He urged residents to avoid purchasing or living in illegally constructed buildings and announced action against non-compliant builders.

Federal & political response

Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kheel Das Kohistani, who visited the site, blamed the Sindh government for the tragedy.

He said, “It’s the state’s duty to provide alternative housing for those in dangerous buildings,” and demanded a full, transparent investigation.

PTI MPA Sajjad Soomro claimed the building showed signs of stress for three days, but no action was taken.

PTI’s Rizwan Khanzada demanded resignations from Saeed Ghani and SBCA officials, and urged PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto to announce compensation of Rs10 million per deceased and Rs5 million for the injured.

PPP (Shaheed Bhutto Group) leader Zulfiqar Ali Jr. also visited the site, slamming the government for ignoring poor communities.

Leaders offer condolences

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari all expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

The president called for swift and transparent investigations, while the prime minister instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical care and to draft long-term safety strategies.

Naqvi stated, “We stand with the grieving families in this difficult hour,” and Bilawal vowed full support from the Sindh government for the victims.