ITANAGAR — Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed shock over
the death of three students in an overhead tank collapse in a private school in
Naharlagun, and asserted that those responsible for the incident would be held
accountable.
Three students were killed after an overhead tank, near
which they were revising for examinations, collapsed on Saturday.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at St. Alphonsa
School, Naharlagun, which claimed the lives of three young students and left
two others critically injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved
families during this unimaginable loss," the chief minister said in a post
on X.
"The administration has initiated a thorough
investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable. Ex gratia support
for the families of the deceased and assistance for the injured will be
provided as per norms. We are committed to ensuring justice and extending all
possible support. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength
to the grieving families in this difficult time," he added.
Five people, including the owner and the principal of the
school, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
An FIR has been registered with Naharlagun police station,
and further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the collapse.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety standards
at the school and the parents are now demanding that the institution be closed
once and for all at the earliest.
