Disaster averted on reopening day as government school roof collapses in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major tragedy was narrowly averted on the first day of the new academic year when a large portion of a roof at the Attakulangara Central High School (Fort Government School) collapsed on Monday evening.

The incident took place around 5:00 PM, shortly after students had left the campus following the reopening day celebrations (Praveshanolsavam). No casualties or injuries were reported.

The tiled roof of the decades-old building completely caved in, sending heavy wooden rafters and clay tiles crashing onto the floor below. According to school authorities, the collapsed section did not house active classrooms but was instead utilised as the office for Samagra Shiksha Kerala(SSK).

Given that the capital city witnessed no significant wind or rainfall today, authorities suspect extreme structural decay as the primary cause behind the sudden cave-in. Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the scene shortly after the incident to clear the debris and secure the premises.

The incident has raised serious questions regarding the safety auditing of public school infrastructure in the state, especially prior to school reopenings. Education Minister N. Shamsudeen stated that a comprehensive investigation would be launched immediately to probe the lapse.

"A detailed inspection will be conducted. We will strictly examine how this building was granted a structural fitness certificate," Minister Shamsudeen said.

The Minister also acknowledged that reports regarding the vulnerability of the ageing school building had been raised in the past. Despite those prior warnings, the campus—which caters to a large student population—was cleared for the academic year. Government officials have promised strict accountability regarding the oversight.