A heartbreaking incident in Dera Ghazi Khan has left families and the wider community in mourning after the roof of a classroom at a private school collapsed, killing four young children and injuring around 20 others.
The tragedy occurred at The Little Scholars School during school hours on May 7, when a classroom roof suddenly caved in, trapping students and staff under the debris. Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the site and launched an emergency operation alongside local residents and district officials.
Young Lives Lost
According to rescue officials, the children who lost their lives were between the ages of 5 and 8. Reports identified the victims as Ghania Zohra, Masoom Fatima, Dua Aimen, and Muhammad Abdullah. Most of those injured were students, while two teachers and two labourers were also among the victims.
The incident reportedly happened around 11:52am in the school located between V and W blocks of DG Khan City. Emergency responders said ambulances and rescue personnel reached the location within minutes, helping shift the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
What Caused the Collapse?
Initial findings from the district administration suggest that construction work was underway to extend the school building. Authorities said the classroom roof had been overloaded with sand and bricks, which likely caused it to collapse under excessive weight.
Officials also raised concerns about construction activity taking place during school hours, calling it a serious safety lapse. The school owner has reportedly been arrested, while an inquiry has been launched into the building’s fitness certificate and whether negligence played a role.
Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over the structural safety of private school buildings across Punjab. Education officials have promised a formal investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible.
Many residents and parents are now demanding stronger inspections of school infrastructure to ensure such devastating incidents are not repeated.
As the city grieves, attention is turning toward accountability—and the urgent need to make schools safer for children.
A Community in Mourning
Beyond the official inquiry, the emotional toll remains immense. Families, teachers, and neighbours gathered in grief as rescue teams worked through the rubble.
The loss of young students in what should have been a safe learning environment has deeply shaken the community, with many calling for immediate reforms in school construction standards and enforcement.
This tragedy is also serving as a painful reminder that student safety must always come before convenience or expansion.
