Date:05/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070558620300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sunshade slab of Corporation school falls on youths

R. Sujatha

Six persons including a football coach injured

PHOTO: R. SIVAJI RAO.

Towards recovery: One of the injured students being treated at the Government Stanley Hospital in Chennai on Friday. —

CHENNAI: Five teenagers and a football coach were injured when a slab from the second floor of a Corporation school building fell on them on Friday evening.

About a dozen youths were playing football at the playground of C. Kalyanapuram High School in Vyasarpadi. A group of five boys chased the ball to the far end of the ground, leading to the Corporation-run school.

“We heard a loud noise and the next minute we saw two boys bundled up like rag dolls. Soon, four more doubled up. Initially we did not understand what was happening. Then a few of us rushed to the spot,” said N. Umapathy, a volunteer with an NGO working with slum children, who was among those who rushed the injured to the Government Stanley Hospital.

Former students

Two of the injured fainted at the playground. Four of the injured players are former students of the school while one is currently studying there, said Mr. Umapathy.

The injured include Murugan, Ezhil Adinam, Vimal Raj, Munivel, Charles and football coach James. Mr. James was sitting by the school wall and watching the students, when the accident occurred. He was injured in the shoulder. Two of the youths sustained head injuries and one fractured his right hand. Murugan is a Standard IX student, Ezhil Standard XI and Munivel Standard XII. “The accident took place at 5.30 p.m. . The school was built only five years ago,” said one of the coaches.

Unfit for playing

The players also said that though the playground was open to children, the Corporation had not taken any effort to make it fit for playing. “The ground is uneven and it is impossible to play in such conditions. This is the only place for the children in the area,” Mr. Umapathy said.

Three hours after the accident, the patients’ attendants alleged that they were given only first aid. Family members said doctors had recommended that all six injured persons be sent for scanning.

Residents in the area said several schools there required repairs. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said they would check all the Corporation schools for damage and repair work would be undertaken.