The investigation into the deadly school roof collapse in Dir Colony, Peshawar, has revealed allegations of substandard construction materials and ignored complaints about the building’s condition. The tragedy claimed the lives of 33 children and two female teachers, taking the total death toll to 35.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Agha Mir Jani Police Station, concerns had previously been raised about the deteriorating condition of the school’s walls and roofs. However, the complaints were allegedly ignored by the school owners.
The FIR states that the roofs of a nursery classroom on the second floor and an area on the ground floor collapsed. The incident caused multiple casualties and left families across the community grieving.
FIR Names School Owners and Contractor
According to the case details, the school premises cover 16 marlas of land owned by Waheed and Javed. The building was reportedly constructed after the land was acquired on lease in 2024.
The FIR names the contractor responsible for construction, along with the school owners and shareholders. Their inclusion in the case forms part of the investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse. The allegations will need to be examined by investigators, and responsibility must be established through the legal process.
An initial report issued by the deputy commissioner also reportedly pointed to the use of substandard construction materials. Investigators are expected to examine the building’s condition, construction work and any earlier complaints as they determine what caused the tragedy.
Families Continue to Mourn Victims
A sombre atmosphere remained in Dir Colony on the second day after the collapse. Families were struggling to cope with the loss of their children and the two female teachers who died in the incident.
The disaster left 35 people dead, including 33 children. The tragedy has also raised serious questions about school building safety, construction standards and the monitoring of educational institutions.
The injured victims taken to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) have recovered sufficiently to be discharged, according to the hospital administration.
LRH spokesperson Muhammad Asim said the hospital received 33 deceased victims and 20 injured people on the day of the incident. He confirmed that no injured victims from the school collapse remained under treatment at the hospital.
Governor Promises Action Against Those Responsible
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi visited the affected school and assured the media that anyone found responsible for negligence would face punishment.
Kundi said school audits had not been conducted because of what he described as negligence by the previous administration. He stressed that the investigation would examine the responsibilities of all parties involved, including the school owners and relevant government departments.
The governor also announced financial assistance of Rs1 million for the family of each deceased child and Rs200,000 for each injured child.
Investigation Expected Within Four Days
Kundi said the investigation would be completed within four days. He added that the government would not restrict its response to a routine inquiry.
The governor criticised previous investigations in which committees were formed but, according to him, failed to produce meaningful results. He said authorities would examine the role of everyone connected to the school, from its owners to the relevant government departments.
The investigation is expected to focus on the building’s construction, the reported use of substandard materials, previous complaints and any failures in inspection or oversight. The findings will be important in determining whether the tragedy could have been prevented and what action should follow.
As families mourn the 35 victims, the community is waiting for answers and accountability. The case has renewed concerns about the safety of school buildings and the need for effective inspections to protect students and teachers.
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