Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A STORM tore through Chiendambuya Primary School last Friday, injuring 15 people after strong winds ripped asbestos roofing sheets from two classroom blocks during an athletics competition.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident saying that the event had brought together 12 primary schools for a day of track and field activities.
What began as a lively sporting competition quickly turned into a scene of panic when dark clouds gathered and heavy rains began to pour.
“The situation escalated rapidly as the weather worsened.
“The athletics competition was underway when heavy rains started falling.
“Students, teachers and parents rushed into nearby classrooms seeking shelter from the rain,” said Ass-Insp Chinyoka.
However, the shelter soon proved unsafe.
“Strong winds accompanied the downpour and blew off roofing sheets from two classroom blocks. “Five asbestos sheets were torn from one block and 30 from another.
“The sheets were blown into classrooms where people had gathered,” he said.
He said 12 students, one parent and two teachers, were injured when the roofing materials slammed into the packed rooms.
“Emergency assistance was quickly rendered and the injuries sustained were not life-threatening,” he said.
The matter was reported at ZRP Chiendambuya, and the injured were rushed to Weya Hospital for treatment.
“All 15 injured persons were attended to at Weya Hospital and were later discharged. We are grateful that no fatalities were recorded,” he confirmed. Ass-Insp Chinyoka urged schools and communities to take extra precautions during the rainy season, especially when hosting large gatherings.
“We encourage school authorities to ensure that infrastructure is regularly inspected and maintained.
“During severe weather conditions, people should avoid taking shelter in structures that may not be secure,” he said.
