14 die in Karachi building collapse

At least 14 people including seven women and two children died as a multi-storey residential building collapsed in Karachi on Thursday.

Nearly 20 people also sustained injuries in the building collapse that was located in Rizvia Golimar Society near Rizvia Police Station area.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed Commissioner Karachi to make necessary arrangements on an immediate basis to rescue people from the debris.

Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhter also directed that victims must be provided with best healthcare facilities.

A Pakistan Army rescue team also reached the incident site and started operation along with provincial rescue teams. Rescue officials said there was a possibility of more casualties as the building was collapsed at a time when residents were inside.

The workers rescued 18 people alive including two children from the debris.

Rescue teams are facing difficulties as the building is located in a narrow street, ruling out the use of heavy machinery for operations.

Local residents said that the building was constructed a few years ago, but cracks appeared in it.

Sindh Building Control Authority officials also reached the spot and started an investigation of the incident.