Rescuers search for survivors of Lahore factory collapse

LAHORE: A four-storeyed factory producing plastic bags collapsed on Wednesday evening, killing at least 23 labourers and trapping dozens of workers under the rubble at the Sundar Industrial Estate near Lahore.

Rescue efforts were underway on Thursday to recover dozens of workers still trapped under the debris of the collapsed factory, which also claimed the life of the owner.

According to latest reports, the bodies of four more victims were found during the ongoing rescue operation, raising the death toll to 23.

"We can see the bodies of four more victims under the rubble," said the district coordination officer (DCO) in Lahore, confirming the latest deaths.

The official said that rescue workers had decided not to use heavy machinery due to fears of causing further damage to the collapsed structure and risking the lives of survivors still trapped under the rubble.

No part of the four-storey building remained standing after the disaster, and hundreds of rescue workers were carefully picking through piles of concrete and bricks to find survivors.

Officials said over 80 injured have been rescued, several of whom were in critical condition and were taken to hospitals for medical treatment.

It was unclear how many people were in the building when it collapsed or how many – dead or alive – may still be trapped. Officials have put the total number of those involved at around 150-200.

Several survivors trapped in the rubble of the factory plea