At Least Seven Children Killed in Rajasthan School Roof Collapse; Dozens Injured

A tragic roof collapse at a government-run school in India’s western state of Rajasthan has claimed the lives of at least seven children and left 17 others injured, several of them critically.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred Friday morning shortly after daily prayers at a primary school in Barmer district, a desert region that has recently been lashed by heavy monsoon rains.

Officials say around 25 to 30 students were inside the classroom when the roof suddenly caved in, trapping them beneath rubble and debris.

“Preliminary reports suggest structural weakness, likely worsened by the recent rains, caused the collapse,” said senior police officer Amit Kumar, speaking to the Press Trust of India. “Rescue teams acted swiftly, but some of the injured are in serious condition.”

Grim scenes unfolded as emergency workers and local residents, aided by cranes and bare hands, worked frantically to clear debris. Television footage broadcast nationwide showed anguished parents sobbing and searching for their children, while distraught relatives wailed near the wreckage.

So far, 32 students have been pulled out alive, though some remain in critical condition, local media reported.

Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collapse. “I’ve spoken to the district collector and directed all concerned authorities to assess the damage and provide every possible form of assistance,” Dilawar told Aaj Tak news channel.

He also assured that the government is prioritizing the medical care of the injured and support for grieving families. “No child or family should face additional hardships after such a tragedy. We are making all necessary arrangements.”

The collapse has sparked renewed scrutiny of aging infrastructure in India’s public schools—many of which remain poorly maintained, especially in rural and semi-arid districts vulnerable to monsoon damage.

As of late Friday afternoon, rescue efforts were still underway. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more victims being trapped under the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in the operation.

This devastating incident has prompted widespread outrage and sorrow across India, with demands growing for urgent safety audits of school buildings across the country.