Tragedy struck in western India on Friday morning as part of a government school building collapsed in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, killing seven children and injuring at least 26 others, according to police reports.
The incident occurred while classes were underway in the single-storey school, located approximately 322 kilometers from the state capital, Jaipur. Authorities said the structure gave way suddenly, catching dozens inside by surprise. Over 60 students, teachers, and staff members were reportedly present at the time of the collapse.
Police official Nand Kishore confirmed the death toll and added that emergency responders, along with villagers, were quick to the scene to aid in rescue efforts. Several of the injured students were rushed to nearby hospitals, with at least two reported to be in critical condition.
Initial reports suggest the building was in poor condition, with local residents claiming they had previously raised complaints about its safety. Heavy rainfall in the region over recent days may have further weakened the already fragile structure.
Footage from the scene showed rescue teams using earth-moving equipment to clear debris as search operations continued. The deceased students were said to be between eight and eleven years old.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” In a statement posted by his office on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “My thoughts are with the affected students and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar labeled the event “very unfortunate” and ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the collapse. “Local authorities are making all necessary arrangements for the treatment of the injured,” he added.
The collapse has once again spotlighted the persistent infrastructural challenges faced by government schools in rural India. While urban areas have seen some improvement, many rural institutions continue to struggle with insufficient funding, poor maintenance, and a lack of basic facilities.
An investigation is underway to determine whether negligence played a role in the disaster.
