Jhalawad: In a tragic incident in Piplodi village of Jhalawad, 7 children died and several others were injured when the roof of a school collapsed. The old building and administrative negligence are being considered the cause of the accident. The Chief Minister and Education Minister have expressed grief and ordered an investigation. The treatment of the victims will be free of charge. A pall of gloom has descended upon the village.
A heartbreaking piece of news has emerged from the Jhalawad district of Rajasthan, where 7 innocent children died after the roof of a government upper primary school in Piplodi village collapsed. The accident occurred on the morning of July 25 when the children were studying in the school. The sudden collapse of the roof caused chaos in the classroom. Several other students have been injured in the accident and have been admitted to Jhalawad District Hospital for treatment.
What happened in the accident?
According to eyewitnesses, the children were studying normally inside the classroom at around 10 am when the old roof of the school suddenly collapsed. Some children were buried under the debris on the spot. Local villagers immediately started rescue operations and informed the police administration. A relief team, fire department, and medical team immediately reached the spot and started an operation to remove the children trapped under the debris.
7 innocent deaths, many seriously injured
So far, the death of 7 children has been confirmed. Three of them died on the spot, while four children succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The number of students injured in the accident is said to be more than 10, some of whom are in critical condition. Doctors at the district hospital are constantly striving to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's statement: 'This accident is heartbreaking'
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has expressed deep sorrow over this accident. He wrote on his official social media account 'X' (formerly Twitter) - 'The unfortunate incident of the collapse of the school roof in Piplodi village of Jhalawad is extremely heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. Instructions have been given to provide all possible treatment to the injured.' The Chief Minister has directed the authorities to ensure swift relief work at the scene and provide the best possible treatment to the injured.
Education Minister's announcement: Free treatment for victims, investigation ordered
Rajasthan's Education Minister Madan Dilawar has expressed deep grief over the accident, saying that the government stands with the affected families. He announced that – 'All injured students will be treated completely free of charge by the government. Also, orders have been given for a high-level inquiry into the causes of the roof collapse.' The minister informed that engineers from the education department and the Public Works Department (PWD) are present on the spot and a technical investigation of the school building is being conducted. If negligence or defects in construction are found, strict action will be taken against the culprits.
Old and dilapidated building caused the accident?
According to local sources, the school building was very old and had become weak. Villagers and parents had complained several times that the condition of the roof was bad and a major accident could happen any day. There were also reports of dampness and water leakage due to the monsoon, but no repair work was done. Now the question arises that if there were complaints already, why did the school administration and the education department not take timely action? This administrative negligence has now cost 7 innocent lives.
Debris fell on the dreams of innocents, mourning spread in the village
A pall of gloom has descended on Piplodi village after the accident. In the houses where children were sent to school in the morning, now there is weeping. Relatives were seen crying in the school premises. A mother said while crying, 'My son had said - Mummy, I will come soon, today is a math test. Now he will never come.'
Political reactions and demands
After the incident, the opposition also lashed out at the government. Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted – 'The Jhalawad incident has shaken the entire state. This is the result of government negligence. Questions have been raised on the condition of the education system.' He has demanded appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased and action against the culprits.
