Seven Children Killed, Over 30 Injured in School Building Collapse

Jhalawar

In a devastating tragedy that has sparked widespread outrage, seven students were killed and over 30 injured when a government school building collapsed during morning assembly in Peeplodi village, Manoharthana block of Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on Friday.

The students, mainly from Class 7, were gathering for prayers when the roof suddenly caved in. Five children died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries later. Over a dozen students remain in critical condition, according to hospital authorities.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately by villagers, school staff, and emergency teams. The injured were rushed to Manoharthana Hospital, where 35 students were treated. Eleven critical cases were later referred to the district hospital in Jhalawar. The deceased students have been identified as Kundar, Kanha, Raidas, Anuradha, and Badal Bhil.

Local residents have alleged longstanding negligence by authorities, claiming repeated warnings about the building's poor condition were ignored. A prior letter from BJP MLA Pratap Singh Singhvi had highlighted the danger posed by unsafe school buildings in the region.

Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar has ordered a high-level inquiry and promised full medical support for the injured. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief and directed officials to ensure quality care for victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also expressed their condolences, terming the incident “deeply saddening” and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The tragedy highlights ongoing infrastructure issues in rural schools across Rajasthan.