UNICEF: 28 children, teacher killed in Peshawar school roof collapse
UNICEF reports at least 28 children and one teacher died when a private school roof collapsed in Dir Colony, Peshawar; it urges safety inspections.
The story in focus
UNICEF said at least 28 children and one teacher were killed when a private school roof collapsed in Dir Colony, Peshawar. More than 50 children were injured, and most of the dead children were under 14. UNICEF offered psychosocial support and called for enforced building safety standards and regular school inspections.
- At least 28 children and one teacher were killed in the collapse of a private school roof in Dir Colony, Peshawar, according to UNICEF.
- More than 50 children were injured; most of the children killed were below age 14.
- UNICEF offered psychosocial support and urged that all public and private schools meet building safety standards and undergo regular inspections.
What happened
A private school roof collapsed in Dir Colony, Peshawar, killing at least 28 children and one teacher, UNICEF said in a statement dated 15 October 2026. The agency said the children were mostly under 14 and that more than 50 children were injured.
The statement was issued by Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, who expressed condolences to bereaved families and wishes for the injured children's recovery.
UNICEF response and call for action
UNICEF said it stands ready to support the government's response by providing psychosocial support to affected children, families and communities.
The agency called for urgent action to ensure all schools, public and private, meet building safety standards and undergo regular safety inspections, and said the standards must be strictly enforced to prevent future tragedies.
Why it matters
The statement frames school safety as a child-rights issue, saying every child has the right to learn in a safe environment and that going to school should never put a child's life at risk. The call for inspections points to the role of private schools and enforcement in protecting students.
What did UNICEF say about school safety after the Peshawar roof collapse?
UNICEF called for urgent action so all public and private schools meet building safety standards and undergo regular safety inspections, with strict enforcement. It said every child has the right to learn in a safe environment.
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