The initial investigation into the roof collapse at Al-Khair Public School in Dir Colony, Peshawar, has been completed, with preliminary findings pointing to the school administration’s negligence, sources said.
According to sources, a joint investigation conducted by five departments found the school building to be in an extremely weak condition. Recent rains had further damaged the structure, but the school administration allegedly failed to take necessary precautionary measures.
The initial report, prepared by Rescue 1122 and the district administration, has been submitted to the provincial government. The school owner, Khan Muhammad, is in police custody following the incident.
According to the preliminary findings, the roof of the school’s upper floor had deteriorated due to rainfall. Students had also informed the school owner about the poor condition of the roof, but they were still called to school despite the reported safety concerns.
The incident occurred in a side classroom in the lower section of the school building when the roof collapsed from the third floor. The report puts the height of the roof at approximately 20 to 25 feet.
Sources said several sections of the school building had already been damaged, while the recent rains further worsened its condition. The joint investigation involved five departments, including Capital City Police, the Metropolitan administration, Rescue 1122, and the Communication and Works (C&W) Department.
The findings also highlighted the failure to implement effective safety measures to protect students and teachers despite the deteriorating condition of the building.
Sources said further action against the school administration was likely in light of the preliminary report.
However, the school administration maintained that the building had been in good condition.
The final causes of the incident will be determined after further investigation and a review of the available evidence, sources added.
An irony of the fact is that despite PTI’s so called slogans of educational emergency, no heed was paid even to inspect such buildings in the province which resulted in ruining the lives of numerous families in Peshawar.
The story does not end here. There are thousands of such other govt schools even in worst condition with haunting death risks.
However, the present set up has taken a major step to inspect the buildings of all schools in the province and to restore damaged buildings on emergency basis to secure the precious lives of the students.
Also Read: School by day, madrassa by night: Peshawar school owner’s PTI links under spotlight
