14 students killed as tuition academy roof collapses in Pakistan's Lahore

At least 14 students were killed and several others injured when the roof of a private tuition academy collapsed in the northeastern city of Lahore on Tuesday, a minister confirmed.

At the time of the collapse, 35 to 40 students were present at the academy in Kahna, a lower-income suburban neighorhood of Lahore. More than a dozen were rescued from the rubble, while another five are being treated in the hospital, Health Minister for Punjab provice, which includes Lahore, Khawaja Imran nazir told reporters.

A spokesperson for Kahna Hospital confirmed that 19 people, mostly students were brought to the health facility in unconscious condition; of them, 14 were pronounced dead.

The deceased aged between 7 and 12. A 30-year-old female teacher is also among the injured.

Rescue authorities fear that at least seven students are still believed to have been trapped under the debris.

Footage aired on multiple local broadcasters showed rescuers equipped with light machinery engaged in the rescue operation.

The police have arrested two people, including the owner of the academy.