Ceiling Collapse Injures 18 Grade 6 Pupils At A Primary School In Tembisa

When a Grade 6 class sat down and opened their books at Umthambeka Primary School in Tembisa on Tuesday, they could never have expected they would be lying in hospital beds a few hours later.

A total of 18 pupils were injured when the classroom ceiling collapsed on them, requiring them to be rushed to nearby medical facilities.

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Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep concern over the incident. By the afternoon, two pupils were still receiving care at medical centres, while the remaining 16 were discharged to continue their recovery at home.

The cause of the incident remains unknown, prompting the department to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.

The Department of Education has also dispatched a psycho-social support team to the school on Wednesday to provide counselling to those affected by the incident. Chiloane emphasised the department’s concern and expressed regret that the children were injured in such a manner at school.

He further urged the school governing body (SGB) members to remain vigilant of any challenges faced by their schools and to promptly report them to the department for necessary attention.

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As the affected learners begin their recovery, the department wishes them a speedy and complete recovery. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.

The department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of learners across all schools in Gauteng.