Jhalawar, Rajasthan – A devastating incident occurred early Friday morning at the Government Upper Primary School in Piplod village, Jhalawar district, when a portion of the school building collapsed. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of at least six students and left 29 others injured, two of whom are in critical condition.

The collapse took place around 7:45 am as students gathered for the morning prayer. According to Vijendra Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Dangipura police station, 17 students were inside the building when the section housing classrooms for Classes 6 and 7 gave way. Circle Inspector Nandkishore from Manohar Thana police station confirmed the fatalities and mentioned that eight injured students were rushed to medical facilities. Two of the injured were referred to a higher medical center, while six others are receiving treatment in Jhalawar.

The school, which has an enrollment of around 27 students, saw immediate rescue operations following the collapse. All trapped students were successfully pulled out from under the debris and transported to nearby hospitals.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed profound grief over the incident. "The tragic accident caused by the collapse of a school roof in Piplod, Jhalawar, is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. Instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured children," Sharma stated.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also shared his concerns on social media platform X, stating, "Several children and teachers are reported to have been injured in the collapse of a government school building in Manohar Thana, Jhalawar. I pray to God that the loss of life is minimal and that the injured recover quickly."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "deeply saddening" and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected. "My thoughts are with the affected students and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Modi said.

Rajasthan's School Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, announced that an investigation into the incident has been launched. Authorities are also examining the structural stability of other buildings within the school campus to prevent any further mishaps.

This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety and structural integrity of school buildings, prompting calls for thorough inspections and necessary reinforcements to ensure the safety of students and staff across the region.