School roof collapse in Peshawar kills 19, sparking national mourning in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: At least 18 students—all under the age of 13—and one teacher were killed on Thursday morning after the roof of a school collapsed during lessons in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar, Pakistan.

More than 40 others sustained injuries and were rushed to Lady Reading Hospital, where an emergency has been declared as rescue workers comb through the rubble for survivors. Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed the casualties.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued statements expressing profound grief, directing authorities to provide full medical assistance to the injured and launch a comprehensive safety audit of educational institutions to prevent future tragedies.