By Staff Reporter
A classroom block at Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe collapsed and caved into a mining shaft early this morning injuring several students.
According to reports the pupils have since been admitted at Kwekwe General Hospital.
The local Civil Protection Unit is making frantic efforts to ascertain if there are any students missing following the collapse.
The Civil Protection Unit chairperson in Kwekwe, Fortune Mpungu said they have so far suspended all school activities following the incident and are engaging stakeholders for assistance.
“Fourteen children so far have been rushed to Kwekwe General Hospital. All school activities have been suspended until a geo survey has been done. We are looking for alternative learning space within the surrounding areas. We have requested temporary tents from the Red Cross for learning purposes, it will be a complete package of tents and toilets. We are also engaging surrounding schools to absorb the learners for the period whilst a long-term solution is found,” said Mpungu.
Kwekwe Central legislator Judith Tobaiwa confirmed the accident saying she recently raised alarm over the danger pat the school.
“At globe and Phoenix primary where a classroom has collapsed with students inside and so far the number of students hospitalized is now 13. Its not long ago I recommended immediate action after having visited the school and noticed the signs.its important for authorities to listen,” Tobaiwa said
Concerns were raised in June last year when school authorities raised alarm over illegal gold panners who were randomly digging within the premises.
The school is located a stone’s throw away from the city centre and used to be owned by Globe and Phoenix Mine.
