A child was hospitalized this week after a section of the school’s ceiling collapsed on him. The incident occurred at George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California. Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and an ambulance, quickly arrived at the scene. Another child was also injured in the incident, but both children were discharged from the hospital on the same day.
The boy, identified as James Harrah, 8, was waiting to be picked up when the ceiling stucco from the school’s outdoor amphitheater suddenly fell on him. Despite sustaining injuries, he was able to recount the terrifying experience, mentioning that the roof collapsed as he was leaving school.
James’s mother, Diana Harrah, described the moment the ceiling collapsed, noting how it knocked her son over and caused him injuries. The family expressed their fear and concern over the incident. James’s father, Shawn, rushed to the school upon hearing about the incident, comforting his son and contacting his wife promptly.
Following the incident, Hanford Elementary School District announced the suspension of in-person classes until at least December 1. Students will engage in remote learning during this period. District officials commended the swift response of the school staff and emergency services.
The district looks forward to resuming on-campus classes in December. James expressed his anticipation of reuniting with his friends and joked that they might be surprised to learn that a roof had fallen on him.