At least 19 people, including 18 pupils and a teacher, have been killed after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, according to local officials.

The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about school safety and the condition of educational infrastructure in the country.

Emergency responders were deployed to the scene to search for survivors and assist the injured following the collapse.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the structural condition of the school building and what may have caused the roof to give way.

The deaths of the pupils and their teacher have sent shockwaves through the local community, with families facing the devastating loss of their loved ones.

Pakistan has experienced several deadly building collapses over the years, highlighting concerns about construction standards, maintenance and public safety.

Further details regarding the identities of the victims, the number of injured people and the cause of the collapse are still awaited.