Grade 3 Boy Killed, Several Injured As Wall Collapses At Daveyton School

A Grade 3 pupil has died after a wall collapsed at Lerutle Primary School in Ekurhuleni, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed.

The incident occurred during breaktime on Thursday when part of the school structure gave way, trapping six learners beneath the rubble. Emergency personnel responded promptly and transported the injured pupils to hospital for urgent treatment.

“Tragically, one of the injured pupils, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital,” the department said.

Authorities Launch Probe Into School Wall Collapse

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine what caused the collapse.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of such a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pupil’s family, fellow pupils, teachers, and the entire school community as they mourn this devastating loss,” he said.

“We will ensure that the necessary support is provided and that the circumstances surrounding this incident are determined.”

The department has deployed psycho-social support teams to the school to provide counselling and emotional assistance to affected learners, staff and the bereaved family.

Recent School Tragedies Raise Safety Concerns in Gauteng

The latest incident follows another recent learner death at Reagile Primary School, where a Grade 5 pupil died after a goalpost reportedly fell on him during a school break.

Paramedics declared the child dead at the scene. Chiloane previously visited the family to offer condolences and noted that similar incidents have occurred before, including one in Alberton.

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He said the department has already taken steps to improve safety at schools.

“These movable goal posts will no longer be a feature in our schools. We don’t want it because we have lost kids in this form,” Chiloane said.

Measures now include directives to schools to ensure that structures are permanently secured to prevent future accidents.