Karachi Building Collapse: Death Toll Reaches 19, Fears of Further Casualties
The death toll from the collapse of a five-story residential building in Karachi’s Lyari area has risen to 19 as of Saturday, July 5, 2025, with rescue teams bracing for the possibility of additional fatalities. The building, located in the Baghdadi area, collapsed on Friday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation that is still ongoing.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amidst Dangerous Conditions
A senior official stated that rescue teams have recovered 19 bodies and are currently treating six injured individuals in local hospitals. “Unfortunately, rescue teams who have been working since the afternoon of July 4th fear there are more bodies under the debris and rubble of the building and the casualties will increase,” the official said. The rescue operation is expected to continue for another 10–12 hours as crews meticulously search through the wreckage.
Dilapidated Infrastructure and Resident Reluctance
The collapsed building was reportedly on a list of dilapidated buildings in older sections of Karachi, highlighting a critical infrastructure issue plaguing the city. According to reports, authorities had identified 22 such structures, successfully evacuating residents from 16 of them. However, six buildings remained occupied despite the known risks, as residents were reportedly reluctant to leave their homes.
Recent Incidents Raise Concerns
This incident follows a similar event earlier in the week, where 22 people were rescued from a partially collapsed building in the Soldier Bazar area. That incident also left residents trapped on upper floors, underscoring the vulnerability of aging infrastructure in Karachi. The provincial government has designated approximately 570 buildings throughout old Karachi as dangerous structures and has urged residents to evacuate.
Lyari: A Vulnerable Community
Lyari, one of Karachi’s most densely populated and low-income areas, faces unique challenges related to aging infrastructure and limited resources. The area’s congested layout and low-lying terrain exacerbate the risks associated with building collapses.
The ongoing rescue operation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure assessments and proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable communities throughout Karachi.
.
