Emergency crews in Karachi's Lyari neighborhood are continuing their efforts to rescue survivors from the rubble of a collapsed residential building, as the death toll from the tragedy has risen to 16.

The multi-story apartment block, located in one of the city's most densely populated and impoverished areas, came crashing down at approximately 10:00 AM on Friday, trapping numerous residents beneath the debris.

Rescue teams, braving sweltering temperatures and high humidity, worked through the night and into Saturday morning in a desperate bid to save those still believed to be trapped. Families gathered anxiously at the site, with local sources reporting that at least eight individuals remain unaccounted for.

The building, long known to be structurally compromised, had reportedly been declared unsafe by authorities years ago. Eviction notices had been issued multiple times over the past three years, yet many residents continued to live there due to a lack of alternative housing. Witnesses described hearing loud cracking noises shortly before the building gave way, a chilling precursor to the collapse.

Dr. Summiaya Syed, a police surgeon with the provincial health department, confirmed that 16 people had died and 13 others sustained injuries in the incident. Emergency personnel have faced challenging conditions during the recovery efforts, with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F) and humidity exacerbating the difficulties of working within the unstable wreckage.

The collapse has reignited concerns over the safety of Karachi’s aging and overcrowded residential structures, especially in low-income neighborhoods like Lyari, which has historically struggled with infrastructure neglect and limited access to public services. Officials are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the collapse and to address the apparent failure to enforce prior evacuation orders.

As search and rescue operations continue, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss and uncertainty in the aftermath of yet another preventable tragedy in the city. (ILKHA)