Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has expressed shock and sadness following the tragic death of a Grade 3 boy learner from Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, after a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said preliminary information indicates that a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday, falling onto six learners and leaving them with severe injuries.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and all six learners were transported to various medical facilities for urgent medical treatment.
Tragically, one of the injured learners, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital.
The department said circumstances surrounding the wall collapse are currently under investigation.
The department has deployed psycho-social support teams to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the bereaved family, during this difficult period.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of such a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community as they mourn this devastating loss. We will ensure that the necessary support is provided and that the circumstances surrounding this incident are determined,” MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za
