PESHAWAR: At least 30 people, including 29 children and a female teacher, were killed when the roof of a three-storey private school collapsed in Deir Colony, Peshawar, while more than 40 people were injured, according to police and rescue officials.

Rescue authorities said several children were trapped beneath the rubble following the collapse. Rescue teams recovered the victims and transferred the injured to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Hospital officials said 28 bodies were brought to Lady Reading Hospital, while two were taken to Naseerullah Babar Memorial Hospital. Rescue officials said 25 injured children were shifted to hospitals. The children killed in the incident were aged between seven and 13.

Police confirmed that the number of injured exceeded 40 and said the owner of the private school had been arrested.

The district administration said an inquiry committee had been formed to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the roof collapse.

Rescue officials said debris was being cleared and all people trapped beneath the rubble had been recovered.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the loss of lives and sought a report from the relevant authorities. He also directed officials to ensure the provision of the best possible medical care to the injured children.