Jhalawar, Rajasthan: A routine school day turned into a nightmare at Peeplodi Government School in Jhalawar district’s Manoharthana block, where a classroom ceiling collapsed on Friday, killing six students and injuring over 30 others.
The incident occurred while 35 students of Class 7 were seated inside a room that suddenly gave way, trapping them under the debris. Panic gripped the campus as cries for help rang out. Locals and school staff rushed to rescue the children, pulling many out with injuries. The victims were immediately taken to Manoharthana Hospital.
According to Dr Kaushal Lodha at the hospital, 11 children with serious injuries have been referred to the district hospital in Jhalawar for specialized treatment.
Authorities said that 71 children were present in two classrooms at the time of the collapse. Only two teachers were on campus, but they were outside the building and escaped unhurt.
The deceased have been identified as Payal (14), Priyanka (14), Kartik (8), Harish (8), and Meena Redas. One child’s identity is still being verified. The injured students continue to receive treatment, and their condition is being closely monitored.
Villagers allege that the school building had long shown signs of structural weakness, worsened by recent monsoon rains. Despite repeated warnings to officials, no repair work was carried out, sparking public outrage after the tragedy.
Reacting to the incident, Education Minister Madan Dilawar said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of young lives. Around Rs 200 crore has been allocated to repair unsafe school buildings across the state. Our immediate focus is ensuring the injured receive the best possible care.”
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed condolences and ordered a high-level inquiry. He has directed senior officials to visit the site and oversee relief operations. The state government has also announced it will bear all medical expenses for the injured.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called the incident “extremely distressing.” He said he has requested detailed reports from the district administration and urged swift rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
“I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Shekhawat added.
As the community reels from the shock, questions are mounting over negligence and the urgent need for safer school infrastructure in rural areas of the state.
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