At least four children have been killed and 17 others injured after the roof of a school building collapsed in India’s western state of Rajasthan.
The tragedy took place on Friday morning shortly after daily prayers at a government-run school in Barmer district.
Authorities say 25 to 30 students were inside the classroom when the ceiling suddenly gave way.
Local police believe the building’s deteriorating structure, worsened by recent heavy rainfall, may have caused the collapse.
Rajasthan state’s education minister, Madan Dilawar, said he had instructed officials to oversee the medical treatment of the injured and ensure families receive support.
Formal investigation would be launched to determine the exact cause.
Footage broadcast on Indian television showed locals and emergency workers using cranes to clear debris as anxious parents looked on. The sound of relatives wailing could be heard near the site.
Rescue efforts were ongoing late into the day. Local media said 32 students had been pulled out alive.
Rajasthan, known for its extreme weather, has experienced intense monsoon rains in recent weeks, raising concerns over the safety of ageing rural schools infrastructure.
