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Lahore factory collapse: Rescuers search rubble for survivors Pakistan Lahore factory collapse: Voices heard in rubble
(about 4 hours later)
A major rescue operation is under way to save dozens of people thought to be trapped in rubble after a factory collapsed in Lahore, Pakistan. A major rescue operation is under way to save dozens of people thought to be trapped under rubble after a factory collapsed in Lahore, Pakistan.
At least 17 people died when the factory, which was under construction, collapsed on Wednesday. At least 20 people died when the plastic bag factory, which was under construction, collapsed on Wednesday.
Cranes and bulldozers are being used and the army is assisting in the rescue efforts. Officials say the priority is to get to parts of the debris where voices and cries for help can still be heard.
The cause of the collapse is still unknown. Building safety levels are often below standard in Pakistan.The cause of the collapse is still unknown. Building safety levels are often below standard in Pakistan.
There are reports that the earthquake which hit Pakistan two weeks ago, or faulty construction work, may have contributed to the collapse.
Two floors of the factory, in the Sundar Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the city, were operational, while a third was being built.Two floors of the factory, in the Sundar Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the city, were operational, while a third was being built.
One of the trapped workers, Liaqat Ali, was able to call a television station from his mobile phone.
"We were working on the first floor when the roof collapsed," he said.
"Now, I can hear the rumble of heavy machines which gives me hope that I will come out alive."
At the scene: Shaimaa Khalil, BBC News, Lahore
Layer upon layer of bricks, concrete and mangled metal rods is what remains of the four-storey factory.
In the gaps between the piles of rubble you can see bits of machinery, and piles of plastic strips used for the shopping bags the factory made.
Looking at the destruction it's very hard to imagine how anyone could still be alive under there. But a rescue worker I spoke to said he could hear voices and movement and told me there is still hope some people could be pulled out alive.
Relatives of the victims have gathered outside the factory premises. Some have been waiting for hours to hear about their loved ones.
A mother told me her four sons were working at the factory when it collapsed - three were injured and pulled out, but her youngest, a 14-year-old, is still trapped.
Cranes and bulldozers are being used and the army is assisting in the rescue efforts.
About 200 labourers are thought to have been in the building at the time of the incident, according to Jam Sajjad Hussain, a spokesman for the rescue services.About 200 labourers are thought to have been in the building at the time of the incident, according to Jam Sajjad Hussain, a spokesman for the rescue services.
Other estimates in the Pakistani media have put the figure closer to 150 people.Other estimates in the Pakistani media have put the figure closer to 150 people.
Mr Hussain told the BBC that 98 people had been pulled out alive and many were then taken to hospital.Mr Hussain told the BBC that 98 people had been pulled out alive and many were then taken to hospital.
He said it was difficult to know exactly how many people were still trapped because the owner and administrative employees were among those inside the building.He said it was difficult to know exactly how many people were still trapped because the owner and administrative employees were among those inside the building.
The army has said that it is deploying a team of engineers and experts to take part in the rescue.The army has said that it is deploying a team of engineers and experts to take part in the rescue.
In September last year at least 24 people were killed in Lahore when the roof of a mosque collapsed.In September last year at least 24 people were killed in Lahore when the roof of a mosque collapsed.
At least 17 people - including children - were killed in a factory collapse following a gas explosion in a residential area of the city in February 2012.At least 17 people - including children - were killed in a factory collapse following a gas explosion in a residential area of the city in February 2012.
Are you in Lahore? Did you witness the factory collapse? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your story.Are you in Lahore? Did you witness the factory collapse? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your story.
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