Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble./SCREENGRAB
Eighteen pupils and a teacher have been killed after the roof of a school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar city, according to a local hospital spokesperson.
More than a dozen children were also injured in the incident and taken to hospital, with some reported to be in a critical condition, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Muhammad Asim says in a statement.
The spokesperson adds that an emergency has been declared at LRH following the incident.
The children who were killed and injured were under the age of 13
In a statement, the office of Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari says "this heart-wrenching tragedy has plunged the entire nation into shock".
The office said the president has "extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families".
"The President prayed for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in the incident" and "directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured", it adds.
"The President of the Republic also emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the incident and to ensure the safety standards of educational institution buildings to prevent such tragic events in the future," the statement says.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the incident in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar.
Sharif sent his prayers for high ranks in paradise for those who lost their lives, including innocent children, and sent his strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the authorities to provide them with all possible medical assistance.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities.
