At St Lucy’s School for Students with Disabilities in Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia, a 10-year-old boy lost his life after an elevator accident on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Authorities reported that the victim, Sanad Shahriar, was crushed under an elevator at the school and, despite rapid emergency response, died from his injuries at the scene.
Emergency services were dispatched to the school following reports of a child trapped beneath an elevator. Upon arrival, Fire and Rescue New South Wales teams attempted a rescue but were unable to save Shahriar. The New South Wales Police have since established a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
In the wake of the accident, St Lucy’s School has announced a temporary closure to allow students, staff, and families to process the event and grieve. The school has committed its full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
In addition to the emergency services responders, a CareFlight helicopter was summoned to the school but left after the boy was confirmed dead. Police maintained a presence at the school until around 6 p.m. to collect information for the coroner. Following the incident, the school instituted a lockdown, and parents were instructed to personally collect their children from the premises, as usual pick-up routines were suspended due to the medical emergency.
The loss has deeply affected the community, with a local lawmaker acknowledging the significant distress the incident has caused. The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology alumni group has also paid tribute to Shahriar on Facebook, identifying him as the son of one of their graduates.
An investigation is being undertaken to determine the circumstances of the accident and to examine the building’s safety procedures.
The tragic event has prompted a closer look into the safety protocols in place at such facilities, especially those catering to students with disabilities. Investigators will review the elevator’s design and operation, as well as the school’s adherence to safety standards.
Parents and school community members are receiving support as they navigate through this difficult period. Local members of parliament have expressed their condolences, and the broader community is rallying to support the Shahriar family and the school during this difficult time.
