Lahore: British Asian Christian Association calls for urgent support after fatal building collapse kills three family members during heavy monsoon rains. 

On the morning of 16th July 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded in Christian Colony Raiwind, Lahore, where three members of the same Christian family lost their lives when their home collapsed during the early hours of the day. The incident occurred at around 4:00 am, following days of relentless rainfall beginning on 13th July, which battered Lahore and other parts of Punjab. 

Where the roof once sheltered them, only a large, open void remains. 

The deceased were identified as Meerab Masih (8 yrs), her grandmother Nasreen Bibi (60 yrs), and her great-grandfather Bashir Masih (100 yrs). The three had been sleeping in a room that crumbled under the weight of water-soaked, decaying walls and ceiling. 

According to eyewitnesses and family members, the structure of the house had been visibly deteriorating for years. However, with limited income and high living costs, the family had been unable to carry out the necessary repairs. 

William Iqbal, a neighbour who witnessed the collapse, described the moment of terror: 

“The wall gave way first, followed immediately by the roof. Everyone rushed to help — the whole neighbourhood came alive in panic and desperation.” 

Neighbours rushed to rescue the family and quickly contacted Rescue 1122, who arrived promptly and managed to save Chanda, Mahi (21 yrs), and Arslan Masih (9 yrs) from the rubble. Tragically, Nasreen, Meerab, and Bashir had already succumbed to their injuries — an iron beam had fallen on them, killing them instantly. 

In another room of the house, Nasreen’s son Aslam Masih (33 yrs), his wife Shazia Bibi (32 yrs), and his sister Marfia (20 yrs) had been sleeping and survived without injuries. However, the emotional toll on the family is immense. Shazia, unable to hold back her grief, sobbed uncontrollably when BACA staff arrived, grieving the loss of her young daughter, her mother-in-law, and her husband’s grandfather. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy: 

“This heartbreaking loss is yet another example of how the poorest and most marginalised suffer the most during natural disasters. No one should lose their life because they can’t afford to live in a safe home. We grieve with the family and will continue to stand by them, but urgent help is needed now to prevent further tragedy.” 

The British Asian Christian Association team visited the grieving family, joined in prayers at the funeral, and provided funds for the burial of the three family members. The victims were laid to rest in the local graveyard of Christian Colony Raiwind. 

Surrounded by a sea of mourners, Pastor Boota Jani Masih offered prayers for the grieving family ahead of the burial of their three loved ones. 

Parveen Bibi (65 years), Nasreen’s elder sister, told BACA that the family had long been aware of the risks posed by the crumbling house. Yet, both Nasreen and her son Aslam, who work in factories as low-paid labourers, were barely making ends meet and could not afford repairs. 

The surviving family members are now living in constant fear, with the remaining section of their home on the verge of collapse. They have no alternative shelter and are at the mercy of the ongoing monsoon rains, which continue to threaten their safety and lives. 

The family has humbly appealed to us for help in raising £3,500 — the amount needed to fully rebuild the collapsed room, repair the damaged roof, and make the entire home structurally safe. Without urgent support, their lives remain in grave danger.