Hyderabad: Two girls were killed and five other children were injured when a slab of cement fell on them at the New Century Public School on Thursday.
A total of 25 students, all from Class IV were practicing Karate when the incident occurred.
D. Mani Keerthana, 9, and Chandana, 8, were killed on the spot. The other children Naresh, 11, Sandeep, 10, Nikitha, 9, and Devisri, 10, were injured.
Naresh is believed to be critical and was rushed to Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills for better medical treatment.
The children were taken to the hospital in the school buses, which were later parked at the school. The school staff, however, managed to flee.
As soon as the incident occurred, the school personnel sent the other children home and are allegedly absconding.
Madhapur deputy commissioner of police, A Venkateshwar Rao said, “The incident happened when the children were practicing Karate. Two girls died and five children were injured. Stern action will be taken against the management for their laxity in maintenance of the school. Haritha, principal of the school, is currently absconding and Sunitha, who supervises the daily functioning of the school, is also absconding. We are looking for them.”
Chandana, daughter of Naga Babu, a construction supervisor and Mani Keerthana, daughter of Venkatesh, were residents of Kukatpally. Their bodies have been shifted to Gandhi Hospital mortuary for the post-mortem examination, the DCP said.
Meanwhile, various student organisations staged a protest in the school premises and also damaged the school buses, boards and other furniture in the school. They demanded immediate closure of the school and the arrest of those responsible.
