They were rehearsing in the hall
Curchorem: Five girl students of the Government Higher Secondary School in Sanguem were injured when a section of the false ceiling in a hall collapsed—reportedly due to a monkey falling through it.
The incident occurred while a group of girl students were rehearsing in the hall for an upcoming event.
Of the five injured students, four were given first aid at health facilities and sent home. The fifth student, who suffered a head injury, was shifted to the South Goa District Hospital in Margao, where she remains under observation.
According to sources, this is not the first such incident. Monkeys from the nearby forest frequently enter the area in search of food and are known to climb onto the asbestos rooftop, sometimes jumping onto the false ceiling, at a place where the rooftop is open. This repeated activity has reportedly weakened the false ceiling, leading to the collapse.
Following the previous incident, school authorities had lodged a complaint with the Directorate of Education. Subsequently, officials from the Public Works Department inspected the hall and prepared an estimate of Rs 50 lakh for necessary repairs.
However, it is understood that the file is still pending approval with the Accounts Department.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane visited the hospital and inquired about the student’s condition.
Principal of the higher secondary school Sudesh Naik confirmed that the injured student underwent a thorough medical examination and that no serious injuries were detected.
Quepem deputy collector Manohar Karekar, who currently holds temporary charge as Sanguem’s deputy collector, stated that upon receiving information about the incident, he instructed the PWD executive engineer to inspect the site and carry out immediate repairs to the damaged ceiling.