Several learners at Chithekani Primary School in Insuza, Matabeleland North, suffered minor injuries on Thursday after a whirlwind tore the roof off a classroom block.
The incident happened at about 3pm at the school, which is about 82km from Bulawayo.
The affected learners were taken to Mbembesi Clinic for treatment. Most were Grade 7 pupils, while some Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners were also injured.
A parent who went to the school after the incident said some learners were injured in a stampede as they tried to leave the classroom.
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“Some had mild injuries. I only saw one boy who was crying. I do not know whether he had a leg fracture. The learners got hurt during the stampede as they rushed out. They were stepping on each other while trying to escape,” she said.
“My own child came out through the window,” the parent said.
She said some learners were also injured by asbestos sheets blown from the damaged roof.
“The Grade 7 teacher was also hurt during the incident,” she said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirmed the incident and said it was assessing the extent of the damage and the condition of the affected learners.
Ministry Director of Communication and Advocacy Taungana Ndoro said the safety and wellbeing of learners remained a priority.
“The Ministry is currently liaising with the Chief Director, Provincial Education Services for Matabeleland North, and the District Schools Inspector for Umguza to establish the full extent of the damage and the condition of the affected learners,” he said.
Ndoro said ministry officials were being sent to the school to conduct an on-site assessment.
“The Ministry will ensure that affected learners receive the necessary support, including medical attention where required, and that learning continues with minimal disruption while repairs are undertaken,” he said.
“The Ministry wishes to assure parents, guardians and the Insuza community that we are treating this matter with the urgency it deserves.”
Ndoro said further details would be released once the assessment had been completed.
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