21 killed in a building collapse in Karachi

At least twenty-one people, mostly women and children, were killed when a five-storey building collapsed here, authorities said.

The building located at Lea Market area, which was weakened by heavy monsoon rains, caved in Friday night, a local official said, adding that the rescue operation was still on.

The rescue teams dug out 12 bodies and rescued three people from the debris who were shifted to Karachi Civil Hospital, The Nation reported. The 18-year-old construction had a godown in the basement and five families were residing on its second floor.

The 12 deceased, including nine women, belonged to different families, the report said.

Rescue operation was hindered initially as lane where the building was located is narrow. An adjacent building was also evacuated after cracks appeared in it.