At least 18 killed, over 30 injured as roof of private school collapses in Pakistan's Peshawar

Roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar city on Thursday, according to media reports.

At least 17 children and a female teacher were killed and more than 30 people injured when the roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar city on Thursday, according to a media report.

The rescue operation was underway to search for more people feared trapped under the debris. (AFP)

All the children killed in the incident were aged 13 or younger, the Express Tribune newspaper reported, quoting Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Muhammad Asim said.

An emergency was declared at the hospital, where the administration was present in the trauma ward to oversee treatment of the injured, the spokesperson said, adding that some of them were in critical condition.

Rescue 1122 ambulances and disaster response vehicles rushed to the site and launched rescue operations.

The rescue operation was underway to search for more people feared trapped under the debris, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.