At least five students were killed and several injured after the roof of a primary school collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on Friday.
The incident occurred in Piplodi village, located in the Manoharthana area, shortly after the morning prayers.
According to Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar, around 25 to 30 students were in the classroom when the roof suddenly caved in.
The victims were students of Class 7, all of whom were trapped under the debris. Locals and school staff rushed to the scene to rescue the injured, who were immediately taken to the nearby Manoharthana Hospital.
Dr. Kaushal Lodha from the hospital told IANS that 11 students, critically injured in the collapse, were referred to the district hospital in Jhalawar for advanced medical care.
Rescue operations were ongoing at the site, with emergency personnel working to ensure that no one remained trapped.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to the Maldives, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office wrote: “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. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, calling the incident “extremely tragic.” In a message posted on X, she said: “I pray that God grants strength to the grieving families to bear this pain. I wish for the speedy recovery of the students injured in this accident.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the tragedy as “painful and heart-wrenching,” and said officials had been directed to ensure the injured children receive the best possible medical care.
“May God grant a place at His divine feet to the departed noble souls and give strength to the grief-stricken families to bear this immense sorrow,” he said in his post.
