Classroom wall, roof collapse, 4 kids hurt

Mangaluru: Four students sustained injuries after the wall and roof of a classroom, which is reportedly undergoing repair works, collapsed on Tuesday. Puttur block education officer Lokesh SR, who visited the spot, said the incident occured at the Government Higher Primary School in Kunthur of Kadaba taluk, and four girls from class seven have sustained injuries.
The officer said the govt had sanctioned funds for repair works of the 74-year-old school due to damages caused by rains. Preliminary investigation revealed that an earthmover was used for repair, and the works related to strengthening the foundation were in progress. However, the exact reason for the wall and roof collapse is yet to be ascertained.
The majority of the children were out of the classroom. Only four students were in the classroom when the incident took place. The injured have been rushed to hospital, he said.
HM, engineer suspended
Following the incident, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP said the headmaster of the school and the junior engineer have been suspended pending an inquiry. He said the headmaster and officials should have ensured that no children were present on the premises while repair work was underway.
“Our instructions are very clear. It is not just about the repair work; once the monsoon begins, teachers and the HMs must inspect the classrooms an hour before classes start each day. Children should only be allowed inside once it is confirmed that the classrooms are safe. Given these guidelines, it is unacceptable that they were careless while the work was being carried out. We will thoroughly investigate the incident,” he added.