Gate fell due to faulty wheels

The eight-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries when the gate, weighing 120kg, fell on him during break time. The accident happened when the wheel failed, causing the gate to separate from its base.

Hessa Al Khajjah, Head of Private Education at the Sharjah Education Zone, said the committee visited the school on Wednesday. While at the school, the committee interviewed students, gathered information and took photographs of the gate, which was found lying on the ground. The Sharjah Education Zone will soon release a report about the accident before taking further action.

“The committee visited the student at the Royal Hospital where he is receiving treatment after being transferred from Al Qasimi and Al Kuwaiti hospitals,” said Al Khajjah.

Saeed Al Kaabi, Director of the Sharjah Education Zone, said that the committee report has been issued. He confirmed that the iron gate fell on the student because of a fault in the wheel that allows the gate to open and close.

He said that the negligence of the school in carrying out periodic maintenance caused the accident and the education zone would take necessary action against the school management. It will also ensure that the school abides by instructions to remove the violation in 15 days.

The school called the authority concerned to investigate the case after the accident. It has also repaired the gate, although the committee has since ordered it to be replaced to ensure the safety of students.

Al Kaabi said the school also has been instructed to deploy security at the entrance and exit gates to prevent students from playing near them. The committee will visit the school again to ensure that the safety measures are in place.

He added that the Sharjah Education Zone is constantly carrying out surprise visits to schools during academic years to ensure safety measures for students are in place. It also ensures schools are carrying out periodical maintenance as per ministry regulation.

Schools found flouting the regulations will be given warnings before meetings with school managements. The final step is for the school to be reported to the Ministry of Education for further action.

A source at Royal Hospital in Sharjah said the grade 3 student, Abdul Raman Mohammed, has passed the danger stage and his condition is stable.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com