A devastating roof collapse at a school in India’s western state of Rajasthan has left seven students dead and at least 20 others injured, local authorities confirmed on Friday.

The tragedy occurred at an aging school building during morning hours, when approximately 30 students were present in the classroom. The roof, weakened by recent heavy rainfall, suddenly gave way, burying students beneath rubble and debris.

Officials stated that the collapse was preceded by the dislodging of heavy stones, likely due to water infiltration and structural decay caused by the downpours. Emergency teams swiftly arrived at the scene, using cranes and other equipment to rescue those trapped under the debris. All individuals have now been accounted for.

Television footage from the site showed a heart-wrenching scene: anguished family members weeping, local residents assisting in recovery efforts, and emergency crews working tirelessly to remove the rubble.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he confirmed that immediate medical assistance has been arranged for the injured students and that further safety reviews would be undertaken.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the state of school infrastructure in rural parts of India, particularly in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns. Experts and activists have called for urgent audits and renovations of old educational facilities to prevent further tragedies. (ILKHA)