Two children dead, 22 injured after school wall collapses
Preliminary investigation reveals the Milad's stage was built near a weak wall of the school which caused the incident. PHOTO: SOCIAL MEDIA
At least two children were killed and 22 others including four teachers were injured when strong winds caused a dilapidated wall of a private school to collapse on the stage during a Mehfil-e-Milaad on Friday.
The rescue operation was launched immediately; however, two children breathed their last on the spot whereas the injured were rushed to the district headquarters hospital Jhelum, where an emergency was declared.
The rescue team later completed the operation by clearing the rubble.
District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Maroof Chaudhry said that the Milad stage had been erected next to the dilapidated wall, which resulted in the tragedy.
He expressed his condolence with bereaving parents of deceased students Junaid Ahmed, 15, and Aale Ahmed, 15.
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Maroof said that an inquiry into the incident has begun and assured that those found responsible will be punished.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, while taking notice of the tragic incident, sought a report from the authorities concerned.
Rescue 1122 reached the school and cleared the rubble while shifting the injured to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Jhelum, where a state of emergency was declared.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2021.