Eighteen pupils and a teacher died in the collapse, with several injured children reportedly in critical condition as Pakistan’s president calls for an investigation into the tragedy.

At least 19 people, including 18 pupils and a teacher, have been killed after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan, according to a spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital (LRH).

 More than a dozen children were also injured and rushed to the hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.

The victims were all children under the age of 13, turning the incident into a devastating tragedy for families and the local community. 

Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim said an emergency had been declared at LRH to respond to the casualties and provide urgent medical care to the injured.

Pakistan’s president expressed shock and grief over the deaths and injuries, describing the incident as a heart-wrenching tragedy that had plunged the country into mourning.

 According to a statement from his office on X, he extended condolences to the affected families and prayed for the full and speedy recovery of those receiving treatment.

The president also directed relevant authorities to ensure that injured victims received the best available medical care.

 He called for a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the roof to collapse and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragedy has renewed attention on the need to ensure that school buildings are safe for pupils and teachers. 

The president stressed that authorities must review safety standards for educational institutions and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.