A sudden whirlwind tore through Chirimutsitu Primary School in Makoni South on Tuesday, causing chaos and inj_ring 12 students.
According to Manicapost, the powerful gusts ripped off asbestos roofing sheets from classrooms, sending debris flying and forcing students to scramble for safety.
One student was hospitalised with severe head inj_ries at Rusape General Hospital, while 11 others received minor inj_ries and were treated and discharged. By Wednesday, the hospitalised student remained under observation.
The incident occurred during school hours, and the damage is estimated at $4,000. Makoni District Schools Inspector, Mr. George Chidhakwa, confirmed the incident but was unavailable for further details due to official commitments.
“Right now I am not in the district, but I have heard that one of our schools was damaged by strong winds, and some learners were inj_red.
“I will give you finer details on the incident once the team on the ground fully briefs me,” he said.
Makoni Rural District Council Ward 18 representative, Councillor Simba Muzariri said the farming community was still in a state of shock following the unfortunate incident, and appealed for help from well-wishers to repair the damaged five classrooms.
“There were strong winds that swept across the area, and affected the school on Tuesday afternoon around 12-midday.
“The wind blew roofing sheets from two classrooms, and scattered them to the next block, damaging three classrooms’ asbestos in the process. Five classrooms were extensively damaged.
“Learners and teachers were still in their classrooms when the incident happened.
“12 learners were inj_red. They were hit by asbestos debris as they scurried for cover.
“One learner suffered a deep cut on the head, and is admitted at Rusape General Hospital where his condition is stable. The other 11 were treated at Sangano Clinic and discharged.
“Council officials and an independent contractor have carried an assessment which revealed that the cost of repairing the damage is US$4 130. We are appealing to well-wishers, and development partners to come to the rescue of the school.
“Council will play its part to repair the damaged classrooms, but we will welcome assistance from various quarters so that the school business quickly returns to normalcy. Source: Manicapost
