Seven children died and 28 others were injured when a school roof collapsed during morning assembly at a government primary school in Rajasthan, India, on Friday morning, July 25, 2025.
The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. local time at the Government Primary School in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district, as students gathered for their morning assembly. Approximately 60 children and teachers were present in the single-story building when a portion of the roof collapsed, burying students under debris.
All victims were between eight and 11 years of age. Two of the injured children were reported in critical condition and receiving treatment at a local hospital. Area residents immediately rushed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts, later joined by police and other government workers.
According to witness accounts reported by India Today, some students had noticed chunks of gravel falling from the ceiling before the collapse and alerted their teachers. However, the teachers reportedly dismissed their concerns and continued with their morning activities. A surviving student told India Today TV that pebbles were falling and when students informed the teachers, they were scolded while the teachers continued having breakfast.
Jhalawar district official Ajay Singh indicated the school building had not been flagged as unsafe during a recent survey. Singh told media that “a detailed investigation will be conducted and strict action taken against those responsible.”
Multiple reports suggested the school building was in deteriorating condition, with persistent heavy rainfall over recent weeks potentially contributing to the deadly collapse. India is currently experiencing monsoon season, which has already brought significant challenges to various parts of the country, including dozens of deaths from lightning strikes in eastern regions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the incident, calling it tragic and deeply saddening. He expressed his thoughts for the affected students and their families while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Modi assured that authorities were providing all possible assistance to those affected.
Rajasthan’s state education minister, Madan Dilawar, announced that experts were examining the stability of other buildings on the school campus. He directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured children and provide support to affected families. Dilawar also confirmed that a formal investigation would be launched to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The demographic composition of the affected school highlighted broader educational disparities. According to government data from 2023-24, 94 students were enrolled at the Piplodi school, with 78 from Scheduled Tribes, five from Scheduled Castes, and 11 from Other Backward Classes. No students from the general category were enrolled at the institution.
Media reports indicated that most students belonged to the Bhil community and came from families unable to afford private education. Children from more privileged backgrounds were enrolled in a nearby private school, reflecting the socioeconomic divide in India’s educational system.
The tragedy prompted immediate government response. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the incident as heart-wrenching and instructed concerned authorities to ensure proper treatment for injured children. The state government announced various preventive measures, including the constitution of special committees to review the safety of government schools, colleges, and other public buildings.
Following the incident, the Union Education Ministry contacted Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, directing them to undertake comprehensive safety audits of all schools. The ministry emphasized that all educational facilities must be assessed for structural integrity, fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring in accordance with national safety codes and disaster management guidelines.
Building collapses during monsoon seasons are not uncommon in India, often attributed to insufficient enforcement of building safety codes that leaves structures particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall. The country’s educational infrastructure faces ongoing challenges, with thousands of schools lacking proper facilities and safety measures.
The Rajasthan incident was followed by additional safety concerns at educational facilities. Three days later, another child died when a school gate collapsed at a Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Jaisalmer, further highlighting infrastructure safety issues at government educational institutions.
Rescue operations at the Piplodi school were completed by Friday afternoon, with authorities confirming that all missing individuals had been accounted for. The investigation into the collapse continues as officials work to prevent similar incidents at other educational facilities across the state.
