At least 6 students killed, many seriously injured as school building collapses in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar
A tragic incident shook Rajasthan on Friday morning when part of a government school building collapsed in Jhalawar district. The collapse killed at least six children and left 29 others injured. The accident took place at Piplodi Primary School in the Manoharthana block while students, aged 8 to 11, were attending the morning assembly.
Witnesses said the roof of a classroom suddenly caved in, trapping children under heavy debris. Panic spread across the school campus as staff and locals rushed to rescue the students. Parents and villagers joined hands with emergency teams to save those trapped under the rubble. Injured children received immediate treatment at local hospitals, while critically injured ones were shifted to district hospitals for better care.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
As news of the collapse spread, rescue teams reached the site with JCB machines and other equipment. Quick action by villagers and school staff helped save several children before official rescue teams arrived. District officials coordinated the rescue operation and cleared the debris within hours.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the deaths. He announced free medical treatment for the injured and assured financial aid for the families who lost their children. “This is an irreparable loss for the families. We will not tolerate negligence,” he said. The government has also ordered an inquiry to identify the reasons behind the collapse.
Neglected Infrastructure Raises Questions
The tragedy has raised serious questions about the condition of government school buildings, especially in rural areas. Villagers claimed the Piplodi Primary School had been in a poor state for years. Parents had previously warned about cracks in the walls and roof. A local MLA had even written to the authorities, asking them to repair the structure.
Recent heavy rains likely weakened the building further. Experts believe continuous neglect and poor maintenance caused the collapse. “The school was unsafe, but our concerns were ignored,” said one grieving parent. The incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure audits across government schools.
Government and Political Reactions
Education Minister Madan Dilawar, who represents the region, visited the injured students at the hospital. He promised swift action against those responsible. Chief Minister Sharma instructed officials to start a safety inspection of all schools in Jhalawar and nearby districts. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of children would be the government’s top priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences. He assured full assistance to the affected families. “The loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking. We stand with the families during this difficult time,” he said in a message.
Community Grief and Demands for Accountability
The entire Piplodi village is mourning the loss of its children. Parents of the deceased are devastated. Many villagers have demanded strict action against negligent officials. “We complained several times, but no one listened. Now our children are gone,” said a parent, tears rolling down his face.
Local social groups and NGOs have come forward to support the affected families. Psychologists have suggested counseling for children who witnessed the collapse, as the incident could leave long-term emotional scars.
A Larger Problem with School Safety
The Jhalawar incident is not an isolated case. Across India, many government schools face similar issues of poor infrastructure and lack of maintenance. Experts insist that authorities must conduct regular safety checks and audits of school buildings. “A child’s education should never come at the cost of their safety,” said a child rights activist.
Heavy monsoon rains often expose the weaknesses of old buildings. Activists are now demanding immediate structural assessments of all government-run schools, especially in rural belts. Without proper funding for repairs, such disasters could repeat.
The Way Forward
The Rajasthan government has promised a detailed investigation. Officials will also carry out a state-wide safety audit of schools. New guidelines for periodic inspections and repairs are expected soon. Community members are urging authorities to act quickly and ensure no other family faces such a tragedy.
The Jhalawar school collapse is a wake-up call. It reminds us of the need for stronger infrastructure and regular monitoring of public institutions. For the families who lost their children, no amount of compensation or official promise can heal the pain. However, their demand for justice and safer schools may prevent another disaster in the future.
