Thiruvallur, Dec 16: A tragic incident in Kondapuram Government Higher Secondary School in Thiruvallur district has claimed the life of a Class 7 student after a school boundary wall suddenly collapsed during the midday meal break, officials said. The student, identified as Mokith, was sitting on the school ground eating lunch with classmates when the wall gave way, causing severe injuries. He died on the spot, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The collapse has once again raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of government school infrastructure across the state. Parents and nearby residents expressed grief and demanded a thorough investigation into how such a critical structure could fail.
Reacting strongly to the incident, AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) criticised the state DMK government for its alleged negligence in maintaining school buildings. In a statement, he said that if the funds spent on a recent felicitation ceremony had been used to repair and strengthen school infrastructure, the loss of young lives could have been prevented. He urged the state government to immediately inspect and repair all dilapidated structures in government schools and ensure proper safety measures.
EPS also appealed for prompt compensation for the bereaved family and called on the School Education Department to prioritise structural repairs rather than public events. His criticism reflects rising political pressure on the ruling party over the condition of school facilities.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for regular audits and maintenance of school buildings to protect children and prevent future accidents.