Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Apr 20: A tragic accident at a school in Rajasthan claimed the life of an eight-year-old student after a handball goalpost collapsed on him during school hours, sparking grief and raising questions about safety measures on campus.
The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony School under the jurisdiction of the Goverdhan Vilas Police Station. The child, Maharth Raj Singh, a Class 3 student, suffered severe head injuries while playing on the school grounds.
According to police officials, the boy was hanging from a handball goalpost along with other children when the structure suddenly toppled. He reportedly lost balance, and the heavy pole fell directly onto his head.
He was rushed to MB Hospital, where doctors attempted emergency treatment. Despite efforts to revive him, he succumbed to his injuries around 2:00 pm.
Maharth was the only child of his parents. His father, Devendra Pal Singh Chauhan, reportedly collapsed upon seeing his son at the hospital and is currently receiving treatment. The body was later kept in the mortuary for post-mortem before being handed over to the family.
Police said the child was a resident of RK Puram in Titaradi, and his father works in the real estate sector. Assistant Sub-Inspector Pratap Singh confirmed that an investigation has been initiated.
School principal William D’Souza stated that the incident occurred during the games period. He said staff rushed the child to the hospital immediately after being informed, and CPR was administered before doctors took over.
The school explained that the goalpost was a movable structure, typically brought out during play. At the time of the incident, several children were reportedly hanging from it, causing it to lose balance and collapse.
Following the tragedy, family members and supporters gathered outside the hospital mortuary, alleging negligence by the school administration. Tensions rose briefly as questions were raised about student safety and supervision on the premises.
After discussions between the family and school authorities, the child’s body was released. The last rites are scheduled to take place in the family’s ancestral village in Banswara district.
Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine whether lapses in safety arrangements contributed to the incident.