GADAG: A classroom ceiling collapsed at the Government Higher Primary School in Karnataka’s Gadag district on Monday, injuring two sixth-grade students and a teacher. The incident occurred during school hours when a portion of the concrete plaster suddenly gave way, sending debris crashing onto the occupants below.
Teacher M.D. Onti suffered a severe head injury, while two students also sustained injuries. All three were rushed to a private hospital in Gajendragad for treatment.
Shocking visuals from the scene revealed the extent of structural decay — exposed concrete, a dangling ceiling fan, and shattered desks indicated that the building had long been in a dangerous state of disrepair. The damaged classroom, part of an aging school block, had reportedly been flagged by locals earlier, who had raised concerns over its safety.
Following the collapse, officials from the education department visited the site for inspection. However, angry residents accused the authorities of negligence and demanded immediate renovation of dilapidated government school buildings to ensure student safety.
Gadag Superintendent of Police confirmed the injuries and said that a case would be registered if the Block Education Officer or another official files a formal complaint.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar tragedy in January last year, when a school building under construction in Anekal, Bengaluru, collapsed — killing two and injuring 13 workers.