Peshawar: A roof of a private school collapsed in Peshawar on Thursday, killing at least 17 children and a teacher and injuring more than 40, police said.
The incident occurred in Dir Colony in the inner city area, Peshawar Capital City Police chief Mian Saeed said.
Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim said an emergency was declared at the hospital to treat the injured.
All the children killed in the incident were aged 13 or younger, he said.
17 children, teacher killed as school roof collapses in Pakistan's Peshawar, according to media report. https://t.co/QqUzzhzlWH
Rescue officials said 25 injured children have been taken to medical facilities.
Rescue teams were clearing the debris and searching for children and school staff who might still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of life in the mishap and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the authorities concerned that they be provided with the best possible medical treatment.