At least seven children were killed after the roof of a primary school in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar collapsed on Friday morning, while more than 60 children are trapped under the debris, according to officials. Rescue officials and locals are aiding in rescue operations at the site.
The roof of Piplodi Primary School collapsed on Friday, trapping more than 60 children under the rubble. Injured children have been rushed to the hospital, while officials are removing debris with the use of cranes. The Rajasthan Education Department later confirmed that 7 children had died in the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the incident, saying, “The mishap at a school in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the affected students and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected."
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Jhalawar and offered her condolences to the families of the victims.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called the accident “sad and heart-wrenching"and expressed condolences to the kin of the deceased children, adding that instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured children.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday morning at around 8:30 am, shortly after the school day had begun. The school building was reportedly in a dilapidated condition, and the structural quality was affected by heavy rainfall.
The children were sitting in their classrooms and studying when, all of a sudden, the roof of one classroom collapsed suddenly, trapping dozens of children under the debris. Villagers panicked and immediately reached the spot to rescue the children. The families of the children also reached the school and are anxiously waiting for the news of their well-being.
The staff at the local hospital have also been put on alert. Rescue teams, supported by local villagers, are working relentlessly to clear the debris with the help of JCB machines. Officials have confirmed that the injured children are being swiftly transported to the Manohar Thana Community Health Centre (CHC) for urgent medical care.
Taking to X, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “There are reports of several children and teachers being injured in the collapse of a government school building in Manoharthana, Jhalawar. I pray to God for minimal loss of life and for the speedy recovery of the injured."
Law enforcement and administrative personnel have arrived at the site and are actively overseeing rescue and relief operations. An investigation into the cause of the structural collapse is anticipated to be launched by the authorities soon.
