KARACHI, Pakistan — July 4, 2025 — A multistory residential building collapsed Friday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least six people and injuring several others, local officials confirmed.

Javed Nabi, a government administrator, said rescue operations were underway as authorities fear that more people are trapped beneath the rubble. “We are using heavy machinery, but the location of the building on a narrow street is making access extremely difficult,” he said.

Residents and witnesses reported hearing a loud rumble before the building caved in. Some nearby structures were evacuated as a precaution, and rescuers have been working around the clock to clear debris and locate survivors.

Narrow Streets Hampering Rescue Efforts

Television footage showed rescue workers and local volunteers digging through concrete and twisted metal, while others tried to comfort distraught relatives waiting nearby. The area’s congested layout and poor infrastructure have severely limited the movement of cranes and excavators.

Local hospitals have reported several patients admitted with head injuries, fractures, and trauma. The exact number of missing individuals remains unclear.

Frequent Collapses Raise Safety Concerns

Building collapses are tragically common in Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city, due to poor construction practices, weak regulatory enforcement, and aging infrastructure. Many older residential buildings, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods, are vulnerable to collapse, especially during the monsoon season.

Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the latest collapse, but an investigation has been launched. Engineers and city officials are expected to inspect nearby structures for signs of instability.

Government Response

Local authorities have pledged compensation for victims and their families, and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it is monitoring the situation and prepared to offer additional assistance if needed.

This incident marks another grim reminder of the urgent need for structural safety reforms in Pakistan’s urban housing sector.