Tragedy in Sialkot: Student Dies in School Roof Collapse, Officials Arrested

The Incident

The accident occurred at a government girls’ high school where construction work was underway on a classroom structure. According to reports, a shed roof that was part of the under-construction area suddenly collapsed during school hours.

An eighth-grade student, identified as Zainab Bibi, was present on the school premises at the time. She was reportedly watching the ongoing construction when the structure gave way, trapping her beneath the debris. Despite efforts to rescue her, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief among parents and residents, with many questioning the safety measures in place at the time of construction.

Delayed Response and Safety Concerns

Initial reports suggest that emergency services were not contacted immediately after the collapse, leading to criticism over delayed rescue efforts. It has also emerged that the construction site had been inspected just days before the tragedy, yet no significant safety measures were enforced to prevent such a disaster.

The presence of students near an active construction zone has further intensified concerns about negligence and lack of proper oversight.

Government Action and Arrests

Following the incident, Maryam Nawaz took notice and directed authorities to ensure accountability. The provincial government pledged a thorough investigation into the matter.

Punjab’s Education Minister, Sikandar Hayat, visited the school to offer condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

Authorities have since arrested key individuals, including the Chief Executive Officer of the District Education Authority, the school principal, and the contractor involved in the project. A formal case has been registered, and further legal proceedings are underway.

A Wake-Up Call for School Safety

This heartbreaking incident has reignited debate over infrastructure safety standards in public schools across Pakistan. Parents and civil society groups are calling for stricter monitoring of construction activities within educational institutions, especially when students are present on campus.

Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration