HERITAGE TREE COSTS CHILD’S LIFE IN CHANDIGARH

In a shocking incident that has come to light from Chandigarh, a huge tree fell down in the Camel Convent School, Sector-9, killing one girl child and injuring 18 others. One school attendant also sustained injuries. 

The deceased student has been identified as Hirakshi, who lived with her parents in Sector 43. She was declared brought dead when she was rushed to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) Chandigarh.

The accident took place during lunchtime in the school when many children were playing and having their lunch near this big tree. In no time, the 250-year-old peepal tree fell on the children. The injured children have been admitted to GMSH-16. As soon as the information of the accident reached the parents, they rushed to the school leading to a ruckus at the main gate.

The Chandigarh administration has ordered a magistrate inquiry into the accident. A survey has also been launched to investigate such heritage trees in other schools as well.

“One child has been confirmed dead, and a number of 20 injuries, including 19 children and 1 staff attendant, have been reported. Two of the injured are hospitalised in serious condition. We have given orders for a probe to find out the cause of the accident, and are continuously monitoring the situation,” said Nitin Yadav, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration.

Area councillor Maheshinder Singh Siddhu said “The incident happened during school recess. Students were eating their tiffin on the ground where the tree fell. Around four-five years back, the same tree had broken down and fallen. There is also a neem tree shooting out of this tree, which may have turned the situation grimmer.”