Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A VIOLENT storm tore through Chiendambuya Primary School in Headlands last Friday, injuring 15 people after strong winds ripped asbestos roofing sheets from two classroom blocks during an athletics circuit competition.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying the event had brought together 12 primary schools for a day of track and field activities that was attended by pupils, teachers and parents.
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 rapxidly 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 Assistant Inspector 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 fell into the packed rooms.
