The tragic incident of a school roof collapse on Friday, which left eight children dead, and 25 others injured, has taken a disturbing turn. Students who survived confirmed that they had pointed out visible cracks in the ceiling and warned teachers of the possible risk. However, instead of taking the matter seriously, teachers allegedly scolded the students and forced them back into the classroom.

Survivors Speak with The CSR Journal

“My friends and I had gone to inform the teachers while they were busy having their breakfast. They ignored us and asked us to return to class,” said one of the survivors in a conversation with The CSR Journal.

When asked why they didn’t protest further, the student added, “Teachers keep shouting at us, and protesting means punishment, which we’re all scared of.” An 8-year-old boy confirmed that pebbles had started falling from the roof and it was getting difficult to sit, but the teachers paid no attention.

‘I was very scared’: Another survivor

Another girl recounted that she was sitting near the door when pebbles began falling, and just moments later, the adjoining classroom roof collapsed. “We were sitting right at the door, so we managed to escape. I was very scared and started crying,” she said. On Friday, a portion of a government school in Jhalawar collapsed, killing eight and injuring 27. The youngest victim was just six years old.

Following the incident, five teachers have been suspended. However, the anger of parents and guardians was visible at the site. They shared that the school building was in a ruined state and that multiple complaints had been made to the authorities, but no action was taken.

Notice issued to School buildings

Meanwhile, Jhalawar Collector Ajay Singh stated that the administration had recently issued a notice about school buildings that required urgent repairs. However, this particular building was not listed. “We had asked the education department to provide details of any dilapidated school buildings. This one was not included,” he said.