Death toll rises to 11 in Lahore house collapse

At least 11 people, including three children, died when an old house collapsed in Lahore late on Wednesday, rescue officials said.

Emergency teams were still searching the rubble on Thursday for others feared trapped after the Lahore house collapse.

What caused the Lahore house collapse?

The house's mud roof, supported by iron girders, gave way because of its deteriorated condition, Rescue 1122 officials said. It happened in Bhatta Muhammad Din Colony near Sukh Nehar, where around 10 people were believed to be inside when the structure caved in.

Rescue officials named the victims as Shahida, 50; Ahed Ali, 22; Hasnain, 12; Samina, 60; Komal, 24; Mujahid, 23; Neelam, 7; and Hamad, 8. Reports differed on whether the death toll stood at eight or nine. Rescuers said two to three people remained trapped under the debris.

How are rescue teams searching for survivors?

Rescue 1122 sent multiple emergency vehicles and dozens of personnel to the site. Teams worked carefully to clear the rubble, wary that unstable walls could trigger further collapses. The injured received first aid at the scene before being moved to nearby hospitals, including Services Hospital.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority also joined the operation, deploying drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras to detect signs of life beneath the debris. Live aerial footage was sent to the central control room and to field teams to guide the search.

Who is overseeing the Lahore rescue operation?

Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz confirmed the fatalities and said he was personally supervising the operation. He and other senior officers stayed at the site throughout the search, which continued for more than a day.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the deaths and directed authorities to give the injured the best possible medical treatment. She sought regular updates on the rescue effort and offered condolences to the victims' families.

Authorities have ordered an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Rescue teams continued searching the wreckage on Thursday for anyone still missing.