School building collapses in rain
The Hindu
Casualties averted as it was a holiday
A panchayat union primary school building in Vanathi Rayapuram panchayat near Neyveli collapsed following incessant rain in Cuddalore district on Thursday. According to sources, the incident occurred at 10 a.m. The wall of the building housing Classes I to V collapsed and the roof came crashing down.
Since the District Collector, K. Balasubramaniam, had declared a holiday after heavy rain in the morning, major casualties were averted. Around 31 students are studying in the building. Sources said the building had developed cracks at several places and it collapsed owing to heavy rain. The Education Department will make alternative arrangements for the students in another building, an official said.
Mr. Balasurbamaniam and Neyveli MLA Saba Rajendran visited the site.