Karnataka government school classroom ceiling partially collapses, three injured

UPDATED: Jun 23, 2025 18:56 IST

A classroom ceiling collapsed at the Government Higher Primary School in Karnataka’s Gadag district on Monday, injuring two students and a teacher.

The incident took place in a room full of sixth grade students, when a section of aging concrete plaster ceiling suddenly collapsed during school hours. Teacher MD Onti sustained a serious head injury, and two students were also injured.

All three injured were immediately taken to a private hospital in Gajendragad for treatment.

The collapsed portion exposed the deteriorated concrete underneath. Visuals from the spot showed a ceiling fan hanging from the middle of the damaged area of a weak roof revealing lack of maintenance. The extent of deterioration at the school showed there could have been more injuries as many desks and benches were also severely damaged by the fallen ceiling.

The affected classroom is part of an aging school building that has long been a cause for concern. After the incident, education department officials visited the site and carried out an inspection. Locals accused the education department of negligence and demanded quick action to protect students.

In response to the incident, Gadag Superintendent of Police stated: “Two students and one teacher were injured in the incident. If the BEO or anyone else files a complaint, we will register a case and investigate further.”

In January last year, two people died and 13 others were injured when an under-construction school building collapsed in Anekal taluk, Bengaluru. The incident occurred while 15 labourers were working on a portico on the building’s second floor at St Agnes School near Baderahalli.

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Written by Sneha A Suneeth