Golimar building collapse: Death toll rises to 25

• Three bodies have been retrieved from the rubble on Sunday.
• There are fears more people are trapped under the debris.
• A preliminary investigation transpired that the builder had allegedly carried out major excavation work at the foundation .

(Karachi) The death toll in five-storey building collapse in Karachi’s Golimar area has reached to 25, media has reported.  Three bodies have been retrieved from the rubble on Sunday (today).

The rescue operation, being conducted by personnel of the Pakistan Army, police, Rangers and Edhi, to pull out people trapped under the debris is still under way. Four of the victims have been identified as Sohail, Sufyan, Zubaida and Ishrat.

The injured people have been shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, while there are fears more people are trapped under the debris. Rescue officials said it appeared that the concrete structure and pillars of the building were weak that resulted in the collapse.

Though a case has been registered against the building owner, no arrest had been made so far. The operation continued on the third consecutive day as volunteers and rescuers from different organisations remained busy in the search and rescue operation.

A preliminary investigation transpired that the builder had allegedly carried out major excavation work at the foundation and tried to erect additional pillars to support the existing pillars. He did it to strengthen the building structure and prevent it from collapsing.

On March5, 2020, the residential building had fallen on two adjacent structures, bringing them to the ground as well.

Residents of the area said that the building was named 400 Quarter and was built two years ago. At least 10 families were living in it.

After the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah sought a detailed report from the officials concerned.

Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani said that an inquiry had been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. He said it would be investigated whether or not the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had approved the building’s design and criminal charges would be filed against those involved in the case.