Student killed, two others critical after notice board collapses in Odisha school

A tragic accident at a residential school in Odisha’s Koraput district claimed the life of a Class III student and left two others critically injured on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at the Government Upgraded Ashram School under Kotpad Police Station limits. 

According to preliminary information, a school notice board suddenly collapsed, falling on a group of students. A Class III student was killed on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries.

The deceased student has been identified as Premanand Bhatra, a resident of Suniguda village under Gumuda Panchayat. The injured students were immediately rushed to Jeypore Medical College and Hospital for treatment, where their condition is reported to be critical.

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School teachers stated that the incident took place in the morning hours when students were playing within the school premises. Without warning, the notice board reportedly detached and fell on the children, leaving them trapped underneath. Staff members and local residents rushed to the spot and rescued the injured students before they were taken to the hospital.

Following the incident, police from Kotpad Police Station reached the school and launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the accident.

The incident has raised serious questions about infrastructure safety and maintenance at government-run residential schools, especially those catering to young children. 

Parents and local residents have expressed anger and demanded accountability, alleging negligence on the part of the school authorities.