In Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, a heart-wrenching incident occurred on Monday when a five-year-old Class 1 student, Raqeeb, tragically died, and ten other children sustained serious injuries after a poorly constructed school wall collapsed. The incident took place at Kirti English Medium High School on Kavadi Street, raising serious questions about school safety and accountability.
According to officials, the children had been made to stand near the vulnerable wall as a form of punishment for arriving late, a decision that proved fatal when the structure gave way.
A Catastrophic Collapse and Immediate Aftermath
The collapse occurred at a shed near the school’s three-storey building, which was known to have a wall built with a weak foundation, further compromised by rainwater. As Raqeeb and several other children stood by the wall, it suddenly crumbled, trapping them under the debris. Raqeeb’s mother, who was reportedly at the scene, desperately tried to save him.
However, the young boy suffered severe head injuries and succumbed to them while being transported to the hospital. The other injured students were immediately rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention, with their conditions reported as stable.
The district education officer, Samuel Paul, confirmed that a thorough investigation has been launched, and a show-cause notice has been issued to the school management for violating safety standards.
Protests, Probes, and Official Condemnations
The tragic incident ignited widespread anger and protests among local residents and student organizations, who held the school management directly responsible for Raqeeb’s death. Demonstrators demanded the cancellation of the school’s recognition and called for more stringent safety inspections across all private educational institutions in the state.
Town Circle Inspector M. Parthasarathi confirmed that a case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by Raqeeb’s mother, Sk. Wahida Begum. Both Industries Minister TG Bharath and Education Minister Nara Lokesh expressed their shock and grief over the incident. Minister Lokesh instructed officials to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured students and reiterated the need for private schools to strictly adhere to safety norms. He also pledged government support to Raqeeb’s grieving family.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy tragically mirrors a similar incident on April 30, when a wall collapse at the Simhachalam temple resulted in seven deaths, with both incidents attributed to poorly built structures and weak foundations. The recurring nature of such incidents highlights a systemic failure in ensuring public safety, particularly in spaces frequented by children.
This incident also brings to light the alleged practice of punishing children by making them stand outside, often near precarious structures, which poses an unacceptable risk. The Logical Indian strongly believes that schools, as sanctuaries of learning and growth, must uphold the highest standards of safety and care for their students.
We urge authorities to not only hold the negligent parties accountable but also to implement comprehensive, mandatory safety audits for all schools. This devastating loss should serve as a stark reminder that the lives of children are paramount and must never be compromised by neglect or oversight.
