A tragic incident occurred on Friday morning in a village near Jhalawar, Rajasthan, where the roof of a school building collapsed, killing at least seven children. The collapse happened around 8 a.m. as students gathered for morning prayers.
According to district magistrate Ajay Singh Rathore, the children had just arrived for the day when the single-story building gave way. The accident has sent shockwaves across the region and prompted responses from top government officials.
Heavy Rains Weaken School Roof, Causing Collapse and Tragic Loss of Young Lives
Authorities believe that relentless rainfall was the primary cause of the collapse. Water had collected on the building’s roof due to ongoing downpours, and the added weight led to the structure giving way. Mr. Rathore confirmed that the children were struck by the falling debris. The state has been experiencing a severe monsoon season, which has affected the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure across Rajasthan.
The children who lost their lives ranged from 8 to 14 years old. Others who were injured reportedly sustained minor wounds and were being treated or sent home. Video footage from the site showed a chaotic scene, with villagers and rescue workers digging through the rubble, and construction equipment being used to reach the site. Onlookers could be seen crying and expressing visible distress in the aftermath.
Leaders Respond, Weather Worsens: Urgent Safety Reforms Needed Amid Monsoon Devastation in Rajasthan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, calling the incident “tragic and deeply saddening.” He assured the public that the authorities are offering full support and assistance to the affected families. Prem Chand Bairwa, the state’s deputy chief minister, confirmed the death toll and mentioned that others had been injured. The disaster has raised concerns about building safety in public institutions during the monsoon season.
This incident is part of a broader crisis in Rajasthan, which has been dealing with extreme weather and heavy rainfall for weeks. Schools and hospitals have been affected, with closures and flooding becoming increasingly common.
Just hours before the collapse, a school van was swept away in floodwaters with 10 children inside, though they were later rescued. In response to the ongoing weather crisis, the state’s education department had recently issued warnings to schools to inspect buildings for structural damage, an advisory that, in some cases, came too late.
