4 Children Dead, Dozens Trapped in India School Collapse

Photo: Collected

At least four children were killed and several others are feared trapped after a government school building collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on Friday morning.

The incident occurred around 8:30 am at Piplodi Government School in Manohar Thana. At the time of the collapse, around 40 children, along with teachers and staff, were inside the premises.

Initial reports suggest that the single-storey building was in a dilapidated condition, and multiple complaints had been raised earlier. The school offers education up to Class 8.

According to the Jhalawar Superintendent of Police, four children have died, and 17 others sustained injuries. Ten of the injured were referred to a hospital in Jhalawar, with at least three to four reported to be in critical condition.

Footage from the site showed residents rushing in to help, with several JCB machines deployed to clear the debris. Rescue operations are underway, with local authorities, including the district collector and disaster relief teams, present at the scene.

Family members of the students gathered at the site after hearing of the collapse.

The state’s Education Minister stated that immediate steps are being taken to ensure proper treatment for the injured. He also announced an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and has directed officials to monitor the situation closely.

Rescued children with minor injuries were taken to Manohar Thana Hospital, while those with serious injuries are being treated in Jhalawar.