A devastating incident occurred at a government-run school in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, where the roof of a primary school building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least six students and injuring twenty-nine others. The tragedy took place on Friday morning, shortly after daily prayers, when around sixty to seventy students were present in the school.
The rescue operation was launched immediately, with local authorities and emergency responders working tirelessly to clear the debris. Cranes were used to remove the rubble, and injured children were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Senior police officer Amit Kumar confirmed that some of the injured children were in critical condition.
Rajasthan’s Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced that the government would bear the full cost of treatment for the injured. “I have directed the authorities to make proper arrangements and to oversee the injured children’s treatment, and to ensure they do not face any kind of difficulties,” he said. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed grief over the incident, stating, “The tragic accident caused by the collapse of a school roof in Peeplodi, Jhalawar, is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. Instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured children.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed similar sentiments, 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.”
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his concern over the incident, urging the state to ensure strict accountability. “Several children and teachers are reported to have been injured in the collapse of a government school building in Manohar Thana, Jhalawar. I pray to God that the loss of life is minimal and that the injured recover quickly,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of ageing infrastructure in rural schools, particularly in regions experiencing extreme weather conditions. Local media reported that the school building was in a dilapidated condition, and villagers had raised concerns about its safety prior to the collapse.