Jhalawar School Roof Collapse LIVE: 7 students died and 28 were injured after a school roof collapsed in Jhalawar, Rajasthan. Locals blame administrative negligence.
Jhalawar, Rajasthan: A tragic incident unfolded in Piplod Government School of Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, where seven children lost their lives and 28 sustained injuries after a portion of the school roof collapsed on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Locals allege that repeated warnings about the deteriorating condition of the school building were ignored by officials, calling it a result of administrative negligence.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
The collapsed section of the building housed Classes 6 and 7, where about 35 students were present during the incident.
Local resident Balkishan told reporters,
“We had informed the tehsildar and SDM about the building’s poor condition, but no action was taken. This tragedy is due to the administration’s negligence.”
Villagers, teachers, and frantic parents joined hands to remove concrete slabs, bricks, and stones with bare hands, pulling out children buried under the rubble. Injured students were immediately taken to the Jhalawar District Hospital, where emergency treatment is underway.
Administration and Official Response
Jhalawar Collector Ajay Singh said,
“The district administration had recently instructed the education department to report all dilapidated school buildings, but this building was not listed. I have ordered an investigation, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
Key Timeline of the Incident
- 11:30 AM: School roof collapses, rescue operations begin.
- 11:37 AM: Kota Divisional Commissioner Rajendra Singh Shekhawat reaches Jhalawar District Hospital.
- 12:17 PM: Police confirm 6 deaths and 29 injuries (later revised to 7 deaths, 28 injuries).
- 12:20–12:38 PM: National leaders express condolences.
- 2:48 PM: Collector orders probe and structural audit of all government schools in the district.
Locals Demand Accountability
Residents allege that no maintenance work was done for years, despite visible cracks, water seepage, and tree roots weakening the walls. Villager Dulichand Lodha said,
“One classroom collapsed entirely, and the adjoining room suffered severe damage. We were helpless, but everyone tried to save the children.”
What Happens Next?
The district administration is likely to:
- Announce compensation for the victims’ families.
- Conduct immediate structural audits of government schools.
- File criminal negligence cases if any official lapses are proven.
Political Reactions
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “tragic and deeply saddening”, adding that all possible assistance is being provided to affected families.
- President Droupadi Murmu expressed “deep grief and prayers for the bereaved families”, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured students.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “The loss of innocent lives is beyond words.”
- Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariywas called the collapse “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching,” assuring full support to the affected families.
PM Modi on Rajasthan School Roof Collapse: “Authorities Are Providing All Possible Assistance”
PM Modi said:
“The mishap at a school in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, is 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 to those affected.”
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on Jhalawar School Roof Collapse: “Concerned Officials Directed to Ensure Proper Treatment”
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, CM Sharma said:
“May God grant a place to the departed divine souls in His lotus feet and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow.”
The Chief Minister also confirmed that all concerned officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment and care for the injured children. Emergency medical facilities and rescue efforts are ongoing.