Noida, July 29, 2025 – A shocking incident occurred at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sector 24, Noida, on Friday, July 25, when a portion of a classroom ceiling collapsed, injuring a Class 9 student. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of school infrastructure in the region, with parents and authorities demanding answers. Let’s discuss the latest updates on this developing story.
What Happened?
Around mid-morning on Friday, during a computer class, plaster from the ceiling of a classroom at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya came crashing down. Approximately 40 students were present in the room when the debris fell, striking one Class 9 student. The student sustained minor injuries, according to school officials. The teacher quickly provided first aid, and the student’s parents were informed, who then took the child home. The school’s principal, Khemendra Tondwal, confirmed that no other students were harmed in the incident.
The school building, which is over 38 years old, has now come under scrutiny. While the principal stated that no visible signs of damage, such as dampness or cracks, were apparent before the collapse, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of aging school structures in Noida and beyond.
Immediate Response from Authorities
Parents are far from reassured. A mother whose daughter attends a government school in Noida, expressed her fear: “We send our kids to school thinking they’re safe. Even a small piece of plaster falling is terrifying. What if it had been worse?” Another parent echoed her concerns, pointing to a recent tragedy in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district, where a school roof collapse claimed seven lives just days earlier. The comparison has heightened anxiety among Noida parents, who are now demanding immediate action to ensure school safety.
Why Did the Ceiling Collapse?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest that the age of the building may have played a role. Built nearly four decades ago, the structure may have weakened over time, despite no obvious signs of damage. Some experts point to poor maintenance or unnoticed wear and tear as possible factors. The ongoing monsoon season could have also contributed, as heavy rains often weaken old buildings, though no specific evidence of water damage was reported in this case.
The incident has drawn comparisons to similar accidents in Uttar Pradesh and other states. For instance, just a day before the Noida collapse, a government primary school in Hapur saw plaster fall from a classroom ceiling, injuring two students. These recurring incidents highlight a broader issue of aging school infrastructure across India, prompting calls for nationwide safety audits.
What’s Next?
The school has assured parents that it is “fully committed” to the safety of its students and staff. Meanwhile, classes at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya continue, with extra precautions in place to ensure student safety.
Local officials are also facing pressure to address the broader issue of school infrastructure in Noida. With several schools in the region housed in decades-old buildings, there is a growing call for government intervention to fund repairs and upgrades.
A Wake-Up Call for School Safety
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe learning environments for children. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that such accidents don’t happen again. Parents, students, and educators alike are hoping that this close call in Noida will lead to meaningful changes in how school buildings are monitored and maintained.
