Bengaluru: What began as a carefree cricket game during the lunch break at a government school in Devanahalli turned into a harrowing incident on Monday when a heavy concrete lintel from a classroom window collapsed, injuring three students.
Student struck by falling lintel
The accident occurred at the Government Boys’ Higher Primary School in Kote. Fourteen-year-old Darshan M, a class 8 student, was batting close to a classroom window when the concrete lintel suddenly gave way. The slab fell directly on his leg and also hit his cricket bat.
Recounting the moment from his hospital bed at Hosmat Hospital, Darshan said, “I was the batsman. The wicket was kept near the window. I don’t know what happened, but something suddenly fell on my leg and my bat.”
Other students also injured
According to teachers and eyewitnesses, two other pupils standing nearby sustained minor injuries in the incident. While Darshan was rushed to the hospital with a fractured leg, the others received first aid and were later discharged.
Hospital authorities confirmed that Darshan is currently stable but will require further treatment to recover fully.
Concerns over school safety
Parents and local residents expressed anger and concern over the lack of maintenance at the decades-old school building. Many allege that repeated appeals for repairs have gone unheard, leaving children vulnerable to such accidents.
Education department officials visited the school premises after the incident and assured parents that safety audits of classrooms and infrastructure would be conducted immediately.
Probe initiated
The Department of Public Instruction has launched an inquiry into the accident. Officials said preliminary checks suggest the lintel had weakened due to lack of maintenance, and further assessment will be carried out to determine responsibility.
Local representatives have also urged the state government to prioritise the safety of government school buildings across Karnataka, citing this accident as a wake-up call.
A reminder for urgent action
This incident highlights the urgent need for periodic safety checks in public schools, many of which function in ageing structures. For Darshan and his classmates, what was meant to be a joyful lunch break has turned into a painful memory. The accident serves as a stark reminder that safe infrastructure is a non-negotiable part of ensuring quality education.