Tragic School Building Collapse in Rajasthan Claims Lives of Six Students

Devastating Incident at Peeplodi Government School

Jaipur: A tragic incident unfolded on Friday at the Peeplodi Government School in the Manoharthana block of Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, where a section of the school building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six students and injuries to over 30 others.

The collapse took place during class hours when 35 seventh-grade students were inside a classroom that suddenly gave way. Local villagers and teachers quickly responded, rescuing the trapped children, who were then rushed to Manoharthana Hospital.

Dr. Kaushal Lodha from the hospital confirmed that 11 of the critically injured students have been transferred to the district hospital in Jhalawar for specialized care.

According to villagers, the school comprises seven classrooms, with 71 children present in two of them at the time of the incident.

The accident specifically occurred in a classroom occupied by Class 7 students.

While two teachers were on the premises, they were outside when the building collapsed.

Among the deceased are Payal (14), Priyanka (14), Kartik (8), Harish (8), and Meena Redas, with one child still unidentified.

The injured students have been referred to Jhalawar for further treatment. Rajasthan's Education Minister Madan Dilawar expressed profound sorrow over the incident, assuring that repairs for dilapidated school buildings are in progress, with an allocation of approximately Rs 200 crore for this purpose. "Our immediate focus is on ensuring the injured receive the best care and recover swiftly," stated Dilawar.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma conveyed his condolences for the young lives lost and has mandated a thorough investigation into the incident.

The government will cover all medical expenses for the injured students, and senior officials have been dispatched to the site. Villagers have voiced their frustration, claiming the school building had been in disrepair for an extended period, exacerbated by continuous rainfall.

Despite numerous warnings, no preventive measures were taken by the authorities.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, calling the incident heartbreaking.

He stated, "I have requested detailed information from local authorities regarding the rescue and relief efforts and urged them to act swiftly and effectively."

Shekhawat extended his condolences, saying, "I pray for the quick and full recovery of the injured children. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God provide strength to the grieving families during this challenging time."