7 children killed, 18 injured as school roof collapses in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar

In a harrowing tragedy, seven students lost their lives and at least 18 sustained injuries after the roof of a government primary school collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on July 25 morning. The incident occurred during morning hours, as children from Class 7, aged between 12 and 14, were inside attending class.

The collapse happened at the Piplodi Primary School, where the roof constructed from heavy stone slabs crumbled without warning. The sudden crash buried students beneath the rubble, triggering chaos and panic.

Local residents, police, and officials launched a frantic rescue operation, pulling out injured children as ambulances and emergency services rushed to the scene. Around two-decade old school building had structural weaknesses that went unnoticed or unaddressed for years, according to initial reports.

“The students were caught completely off guard. The injured were pulled out from beneath the debris by villagers and school staff in a desperate rescue effort,” Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Hakim of Dangipura Police Station was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “tragic and deeply saddening.”

“My thoughts are with the affected students and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance,” he said in a post on X.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called the loss “heartbreaking,” directing officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

“May God grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow,” he stated in a statement.

Education Minister Madan Dilawar assured that a high-level probe will be launched to investigate the cause of the collapse and ascertain accountability.

As grieving families mourn unimaginable loss, questions mount over the safety and upkeep of government-run educational infrastructure — especially in rural areas where oversight remains minimal.