Grade 5 pupils dies after goal post collapse at primary school

A 10-YEAR-OLD Grade 5 pupil tragically lost his life when a soccer goal post collapsed during break time at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa.

Authorities are investigating the incident while psycho-social support has been deployed to assist the school community.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed that the incident occurred on Monday, IOL reported.

Mabona said that according to preliminary reports, a group of pupis, including the deceased, were playing around the soccer posts during second break when one of the goal posts reportedly collapsed and struck the boy, causing severe injuries.

"Paramedics were immediately summoned to the school and arrived within about 20 minutes. Despite efforts to resuscitate the child, he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene," he said.

South African Police Service are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.  Mabona added that the department would also conduct its own internal enquiry.

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane expressed deep sadness over the learner’s passing.

“The Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community,” Chiloane said.

Meanwhile, the department has deployed its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the school to provide counselling and emotional support to learners, educators and the bereaved family during what it described as an extremely difficult time.

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