The death toll from the tragic collapse of a five-story residential building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area has risen to 27, as rescue teams recovered two more bodies early Sunday.

The victims include 16 men, nine women, and two children. At least eight people sustained injuries in the incident.

Rescue teams recovered the body of a 1.5-year-old girl, identified as Muqaddas, late last night.

Two more bodies, including that of 14-year-old Zaid, were retrieved on Sunday morning.

Authorities say the 50-hour rescue operation has now concluded, with no further reports of trapped individuals.

Shockingly, official documents listed the structure as only three-storey high, while it was a five-storey building — highlighting major flaws in municipal oversight.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had declared the building hazardous three years ago, but no action was taken.

Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to darkness and congestion at the site.

SSP City Arif Aziz noted that crowding hindered rescue work and blocked ambulance access.

Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi said residents of dangerous buildings must relocate voluntarily, as forced eviction is not viable.

Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Khoso, revealed that the residents had been served multiple evacuation notices between 2022 and 2024. Of 107 dangerous buildings in the district, 21 were classified as high-risk and 14 had been evacuated.

A list of victims has been released, including 55-year-old Hoorbai, 35-year-old Waseem, 26-year-old Rohit, 23-year-old Geeta, and several others.

Two bodies, including that of a child, remain unidentified. Injured survivors include Fatima (50), Chanda (35), Rashid (25), and Yousuf (45).

Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani acknowledged the presence of many similar structures in the city.

He stated that while notices have been served, residents are reluctant to leave due to personal constraints.

He stressed the importance of enforcing safety laws and blacklisting non-compliant builders.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Kheel Das Kohistani blamed the Sindh government, urging it to provide alternate housing and ensure a transparent investigation.

Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab visited the site and pledged accountability for those responsible.

He said the SBCA had issued four notices to vacate the building, which residents ignored.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori have also taken notice of the incident and called for inquiry reports.

An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the collapse.

Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani has suspended the SBCA director, deputy director, and building inspector pending the inquiry, which is to be completed within three days.