The initial investigation into the roof collapse at Al-Khair Public School in Dir Colony, Peshawar, has held the recently dismissed KP government and school administration responsible for failing to take adequate safety measures despite the deteriorating condition of the building, according to sources.
The initial report, prepared following a joint investigation by five departments, found that the school building was in an extremely weak condition and had sustained further damage due to recent rainfall.
According to sources, several parts of the building were already in a dilapidated state, while the roof of the upper floor had deteriorated further following the rains.
However, no effective measures were taken to ensure the safety of students and teachers. The report further revealed that students had informed the school owner, Khan Muhammad, about the poor condition of the roof. Despite these warnings, the children were reportedly called to school. The owner had allegedly arranged only temporary support for the ceiling, sources said.
The incident occurred in a classroom on the lower level of the school building when a ceiling collapsed from the third floor. According to the initial findings, the ceiling was approximately 20 to 25 feet above the classroom. The investigation was conducted by five departments, including Capital City Police, the metropolitan administration, Rescue 1122 and the Communications and Works (C&W) Department.
The initial report has been submitted to the provincial government by Rescue 1122 and the district administration, according to sources. The school owner, Khan Muhammad, is in police custody, while further action against the school administration is expected in light of the initial findings. The school administration, however, has maintained that the building was in good condition. The final cause of the incident will be established after further investigation and a detailed review of the available evidence.