Class 10 student dies as school wall collapses in Salur; Minister orders inquiry

In a tragic incident on Monday, a tenth-grade student lost his life and another was injured when a compound wall of the government high school at Salur in Parvathipuram Manyam district collapsed. The incident has prompted parents and local residents to demand immediate removal of hazardous structures across government educational institutions in the State.

The deceased has been identified as Thupakula Arun Teja, a resident of Relli Street in Salur. According to preliminary inquiries, the accident occurred when a group of students were seated on a section of the ageing compound wall, which gave way as they were heading to the campus playground. Arun Teja sustained grievous injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital by school authorities and locals. However, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Another student suffered minor injuries and is reported to be stable. Officials from the local administration and the education department reached the accident site soon after the incident to inspect the debris and initiate a formal inquiry into the structural integrity of the boundary wall.

Responding to the incident, Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, expressed shock over the mishap. In a statement, he directed authorities to ensure advanced medical attention for any other affected students and assured the parents that a thorough investigation would be conducted. The Minister's office confirmed that the inquiry would examine the condition of the wall and the circumstances leading to the collapse.

The tragic event has intensified calls from parents and civic groups for a comprehensive safety audit of all government school buildings in the State. Many have pointed out that ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance pose serious risks to students. Residents have also urged the State government to provide adequate financial compensation to the grieving family of Arun Teja.

The district administration has promised a detailed report after the inquiry. Meanwhile, the school has been temporarily closed, and classes for other students are expected to resume once safety assessments are completed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for timely maintenance and safety checks in educational institutions.