Limpopo: Grade 8 pupil dead and two others injured after table collapses

In a tragic turn of events, a Grade 8 pupil has died and two others injured, after a table broke down and fell on them at the Phala Secondary School in Broekman Village, Limpopo. 

Limpopo Education MEC Polly Boshielo has since expressed utter devastation at the incident.  

Table falls on three pupils

According to the Education Department, three pupils were sorting out books in their LTSM resource classroom on Tuesday 25 February. 

During the process, the table broke down and fell on the three pupils injuring them.

It is understood that the school called the emergency services, who upon arrival, rushed the three pupils to the Helen Franz Hospital. 

One pupil was checked and discharged, while the other two were transferred to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital, where unfortunately one lost his life. The other is still under medical supervision in Polokwane. 

Department of Education dispatches a team for trauma counselling 

The Education Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and accordingly sends its deepest heartfelt condolences to the family. 

“We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family and the entire school community during this difficult time of grief. It is sad to lose such a young life. We must work together to support and comfort each other,” said Boshielo. 

Boshielo also wished the injured pupils a speedy recovery.

The Department has dispatched a psychosocial team to commence with the trauma counselling of pupils, educators, support staff and the bereaved family.

“May his soul rest in peace,” added Boshielo. 

Pupil falls from balcony in separate incident 

A pupil from Ferndale High School in Randburg, Gauteng was confirmed dead, on Tuesday 11 February, after he fell from the building’s third-floor balcony. Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the news on Twitter. 

Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst revealed that when paramedics arrived at the scene, the Ferndale High pupil was still alive.

“Once stabilised, the patient was transported by ambulance to hospital for further treatment. Circumstances leading up to the fall are not known, however, the school needs to be commended on their quick reaction to the incident,” Herbst said.

However, at some point during treatment, the pupil succumbed to his wounds.

The circumstances surrounding the pupil’s fall from the third-floor balcony are under investigation. Lesufi shuddered at the thought of having to inform the pupil’s family of the incident.

“Once more, We must go and face the family and break the news, it’s too much now. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends and learners at Ferndale High,” he tweeted.

Lesufi confirmed that the boy’s death brought the tally of pupil-related fatalities to 11 since the start of the 2020 school curriculum.