SUKKUR: Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) director Ali Mehdi and Deputy Mayor of Sukkur Tariq Chowhan said that the initial investigation into the recent collapse of a three-storey building on Hussaini Road was completed.

Speaking at a press conference at the local press club, Mr Mehdi quoted from the investigation report that some ill-advised alterations in the building’s structure resulted in its collapse.

The owners got the alterations made without consulting any civil engineers, he added.

Nine persons died and 18 others were injured in the incident. The victims were four sons, their families and parents.

The SCBA director said that samples of the debris were sent to a lab for forensic test.

He said 23 of the 79 buildings declared dangerous in the city were in an extremely dilapidated condition and would have to be demolished. The remaining ones required immediate repair, he added.

The deputy mayor said that a compensation of Rs1m for each death in the building collapse incident was recommended to the Sindh government.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2020